When I first met Tosha in 1995, she was almost 11 years old. She had been on the waiting list for a year. That was just the beginning of our incredible journey together.
Lisa and Tosha, 1995
One of my favorite memories with Tosha was when we performed a flute duet for a televised charity telethon. The piece we chose wasn’t easy, but she practiced diligently until she nailed it. Watching her hard work pay off and seeing her confidence grow was such a proud moment for me.
Another memory that always makes me smile is when we saw Titanic together. I was a blubbering mess, crying through the whole movie, while Tosha sat there dry-eyed. I teased her for having a heart of stone. Years later, she was interviewed for a BBBS promotional video, and when she spoke about the impact the program had on her life, she had to stop to pull herself together. That moment showed me just how deeply our relationship had touched her.
BBBS introduced me to more than just Tosha—it also led me to my future husband. We met another Big and Little at a match activity, and over time, that Big and I got married. Our Littles were even in our wedding! Though our marriage eventually ended, it’s still a special part of our BBBS story, a testament to the meaningful connections this program creates.
Lisa’s wedding with Tosha and Lewis’ Little Brother Chris, 1999
Tosha was the first in her immediate family to graduate from high school, a milestone she went on to surpass by earning her college degree and later a master’s degree.
Tosha’s Wedding, 2014
Today, Tosha is 40 years old, married, and a mother of four. We still keep in touch regularly, and whenever I’m back in the Chicago area, I make sure to visit her. Our bond has lasted decades, proving that being a Big isn’t just about a few years—it’s about creating lifelong connections.
Lisa and her husband with Tosha’s husband and two of her four kids
My belief in BBBS runs deep, not just because of my relationship with Tosha, but also because of my son. He was a Little Brother himself, and his Big played a meaningful role in his life. Even after my son passed away five years ago, I have remained in contact with his Big, a testament to how these relationships extend far beyond the program itself.
Lisa with Tosha’s daughter, Olivia, 2024