This Is What It’s All About

Contributed by Amy Ryan- Muddy’s Buddies Board Member

A few weeks ago, the Brighton Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team welcomed their new buddy Kassidy to the team.  Each of the girls on the team signed a card for Kassidy, and made her  feel as though they had always known her.  Kassidy has loved being at the practices and games (even in the freezing, blowing snow!).  The girls have really enjoyed getting know her and frequently contact her to see how she is and to make sure she knows when they are on the field.  After talking to the girls, it is clear they love having her around as much as she likes being there.

This is the first time that I have personally known a Buddy and it has been a more than rewarding experience.  It has been wonderful to be able to hear the immediate feedback on how this impacts the family’s life and most importantly the Buddy.  One thing I have learned over the past year – it is a truly rewarding experience, not only for the Buddy, but most often for the High School students and coaches who have adopted the Buddy.

The only thing that ran through my mind after leaving the Buddy introduction was, “THIS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT.”  This is why I feel so strongly about the importance of this organization.  We make people’s lives a bit brighter, during difficult times.