Heather & Destiny

According to her mom, Evelyn, Little Sister Destiny has always been a happy child.  But a little over three years ago, Evelyn decided she wanted to give Destiny even more reason to smile.  She decided it was time for Destiny to have a Big Sister—someone who could take her out for fun times and to experience new things.  That’s how Destiny ended up with Big Sister Heather Bushey, and the smiles never stop these days.

Now a fifth-grader at Brightwood Elementary School, Destiny is loving time spent with her Big Sister.  “I get to try new things.  I like Heather because she’s very active and fun, and we like the same things.  I have someone to talk to and call if I have any troubles.  And I don’t have to hang out with my brothers anymore!  I think everyone should have a Big Sister because you spend time with someone who really cares about you.”

During this interview at Friendly’s with Heather and Destiny, it became clear that Friendly’s is definitely a hot spot for this pair.  They were finished with the menus in record time, which is no small accomplishment. Anyone who has seen the complications of the Friendly’s children’s menu understands why.  Destiny quickly followed the steps, and before long, she had a bright blue drink with a fancy straw and a rather artistic looking basket of chicken tenders and french fries!

So what’s cooking with these two when they aren’t frequent flyers at Friendly’s?  Usually cookies, actually.  All their time baking together is one of Destiny’s favorite activities.  Interskate 91 is a big hit, and they often check out the events that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers, like the summer picnic, Six Flags mentoring night, and the holiday party.  But one of Heather’s favorite memories is their trip to Stanley Park in Westfield.  They took part in a classic picnic in the park and then headed to the pond to feed the ducks.  Even angry geese that chased park patrons couldn’t rain on the parade of this energetic duo.

Besides just having an all-around fun time together, both Heather and Destiny find themselves growing and learning from each other.  Heather says, “Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that Destiny is more talkative and outgoing.  She’s also doing well in school.  I didn’t realize how much I would get from being a Big.  I volunteered initially because I wanted to give back, but I’ve learned so much about myself from Destiny.  Sometimes people think that you can’t learn much from hanging out with a child, but that’s absolutely not true.”

So life is good these days for Heather and Destiny, and it looks like there will be lots to smile about for many years to come.