Lisa was 5 years old when her mother passed away, and life took a turn as she moved from Sacramento to San Francisco shortly after. Her grandmother, seeking positive influences for Lisa and her siblings, enrolled them in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program here in the Bay Area. It was early spring of 1975 that a shy, struggling 13-year-old Lisa was paired with her Big Sister, Lois, sparking a remarkable connection that has blossomed into a 50-year friendship.
Lois’s vibrant and giving nature immediately stood out to Lisa, who cherished the memories forged during their early years together. Lois, who never had children of her own and had navigated a challenging family situation, possessed a deep desire to offer the kind of emotional and physical support she yearned for in her own life. This inherent generosity became the foundation of their enduring bond.
Lisa reminisces on the early days with Big Sister Lois, who was an active and outdoorsy person. She was introduced to the joys of hiking, and even the occasional sailboating ride with friends. The summer home Lois owned in Atherton became a haven for shared experiences. “We would spend a lot of time there,” Lisa fondly recalls. “I even had my fifteenth birthday sleepover party there!” This special place holds a treasure trove of heartfelt moments, a testament to Lois’s early and consistent kindness.
As the years unfolded, both Lisa and Lois navigated the ebbs and flows in life. Through marriages, raising children, and career paths, their connection remained steadfast. Lisa emphasizes Lois’s unwavering support during challenging family times, particularly when she dealt with an upbringing with older grandparents who were from a different generation. Lois, with a more contemporary perspective, offered a vital connection to the modern world. “Going through challenging times brings you closer together,” Lisa reflects. “Being able to talk to her about challenges that I was having built the bond that’s lasted 50 years.”
Even as life grew busier, with Lisa raising her young sons, their bond adapted. Their outings shifted to include Lisa’s children, often revolving around visits to Golden Gate Park and the aquarium where Lois volunteered for many years. These shared experiences created lasting memories for Lisa’s sons, with Lois and her husband becoming an integral part of their childhood.
Now as Lois is 89 and her husband is 100, their interactions have evolved once more. Lisa visits their senior living residence in San Francisco, and hangouts are centered around sharing meals and quiet companionship. The desire to continue their connection is strong, and it highlights the depth of their relationship due to Lois’s lifelong commitment.
When speaking on what has remained the same over five decades, Lisa emphasizes the unwavering closeness they share. “We can talk to each other. I can just have a conversation with her that I don’t feel I can have with other people.” Even during busy periods in their lives, a simple phone call always bridged any distance. “There’s a connection there that’s been there for fifty years and I think it will always be there,” Lisa affirms.
Lisa credits Lois with instilling the importance of strong family values and the significance of nurturing relationships in her. Witnessing Lois’s dedication to their connection and her generosity has impacted Lisa’s approach to her own life. “She has done so much for me and my children and for people in general. So, I think I’ve learned that you always have to try to do something for other people because, you know, that’s how she is.”
Lois’s generosity extended beyond emotional support. Lisa fondly remembers being taken on trips, hosted at parties, and even selecting high quality restaurants – experiences she might never have had otherwise. This selfless spirit has inspired Lisa to pay it forward in her own life.
For those considering volunteering or enrolling their child in our program, Lisa’s experience serves as a powerful testament to the program’s potential.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area is a wonderful program that gave me a lot of opportunities and it helped me grow. It gave me somebody who supported me in very challenging years and it gave me somebody who allowed me to do things that I never would have gotten the opportunities to do before.”
Lois and Lisa’s 50-year match stands as an inspiring example of the profound and lasting impact a Big can have.
If Lois and Lisa’s story resonated with you, sign up to be a mentor, enroll your child in our program, or donate to support our mission today!