Ten years ago, Rachael Hardin, now a junior in high school, got a very special Valentine’s gift. It was Feb. 14, 2001, when the then-6-year-old met her Big Sister Carolyn Brady. For the 10 years that followed, Brady and Hardin stuck together through good times and bad, explored the island and beyond together and formed a friendship that will last a lifetime, they said.

The ground stone for the friendship was laid when they met through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, which was established in 1999 on Whidbey Island. Saturday, Feb. 19, Big Brothers Big Sisters was named “nonprofit organization of the year” by the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce for their work on behalf of the community.

Brady recalled the first day they met. Things had settled down in her life and she was ready to make a commitment to a young child who needed a boost. Brady said everybody was a little nervous, but not for long. The 6-year-old little girl eyed her from across the room and then she must have decided that she liked her new Big Sister.

“Rachael came right over and crawled in my lap and we have been friends ever since,” Brady recalled.

They celebrated their tenth anniversary at Zorba’s in Oak Harbor. Hardin said that because their match anniversary is on Valentine’s Day each year, Brady has always given her a card and chocolates.

Looking back, they made countless memories together.

“She takes me on adventures,” Hardin said. “She took me horseback riding for the first time I rode without someone holding on to the lead.”

Hardin’s mother, Valerie, added that Brady taught Hardin many lessons along the way.

“Nutrition, horseback riding and allowing Rachael the ability to get out and go,” she said.  

Hardin agrees. “Without Carolyn in my life, I wouldn’t take as good of care of myself,” she said.

Over the years they have gone kayaking and hiking together, always staying busy, Brady said. Things have changed since Hardin is a high schooler now.  Brady has watched a young child mature into a young woman, she said.

“I’ve seen a difference in our friendship when she turned teenager. But we can always pick up where we left off,” Brady said.

While they continue to do many activities together, Brady also helps Hardin with practical things.

In recent years, Hardin has helped Brady earn some extra cash. “Now we are planning to start a savings account for her. She said I always spent my money too fast, so that’s what we’re going to do. But first she has to save up $100 to open her account,” Brady said.

These are the practical lessons a Big and a Little may tackle together.  But after 10 years, the pair has created traditions and sentimental memories as well.

“Over the years, since she was very young we always read the book ‘I Love You Forever,’” Brady recalled. “That’s our book. I always think of Rachael when I see the book.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County is a mentoring agency. The non-profits’ mission is to match children with volunteer mentors from the community to help them achieve their potential. Kids enrolled in the program are less likely to do drugs and alcohol or start smoking and are more likely to stay in school and get along better with their families.

Matches stay matched until the Little turns 18 or graduates from high school — milestones that Rachel will reach next year. But this won’t be the end of their friendship.

“Carolyn’s like family to me now. I believe that we will always do things together,” Hardin agreed.

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County, call 360-279-0644, email bbbs@whidbey.net or visit www.bbbsislandcounty.org.