"Who was that one person that made you feel special?"

Ed and Kyle

Ed Synicky, 58, of Yorba Linda is a retired police officer who works in the real estate industry.  For seven years, Ed was a Big Brother to Kyle, also of Yorba Linda.  Kyle just celebrated his 18^th birthday and the match officially closed, but the friendship will continue for a lifetime.

“Kyle is like a member of my family,” remarked Ed.  “But he’s not a little kid anymore.  Today, we’re two adults with a mature relationship.”

Kyle’s parents divorced when he was seven, and he has seen little of his father since.  Ed had been a Big Brother twice before; as a police officer he knew the importance of positive male role models in boys’ lives.  Although he was married with four children of his own, he wanted to volunteer.  He and Kyle were matched when Kyle was 11. 

In their first years together, the pair met frequently.  Ed went to Kyle’s soccer games and watched him participate in marching band.  One of Kyle’s favorite activities was going to video arcades and having pizza afterwards. 

As Kyle got older and busier with other activities, they talked on the phone every week, but met less frequently.  And, their activities were more adult-oriented, such as going to dinner and watching a show afterward.  Their conversations matured as well; recent topics included learning to drive, girls and getting a job.

Ed noted, “It’s like seeing one of my own kids grow up.”

Ed is considering applying to become a Big Brother to a fourth boy in the upcoming months, and inviting Kyle to join in some of their activities.  Although he’s older than many Big Brothers, he still believes he has a lot to offer.

He concluded, “It’s been awesome.  I feel really blessed to have Kyle as part of my life.”