Six years ago I knew I had found the perfect Big Brother for Jayden when I met Sam Klemet.
Sam was young, enthusiastic, positive, organized, placed importance on academics, and was of
good character. Jayden was an energetic little boy with a huge heart, but somewhat of a
prankster which had led him to make poor decisions, even ones that involved law enforcement.
Despite having a great mom, Jayden was in need of a strong, positive, male influence; someone
who could encourage him to live up to his potential inside and outside of school - to be a man
of good character. Over the years Sam has played an essential role in Jaden’s life from being his
loudest cheerleader to holding him accountable when needed. Jayden blossomed under Sam’s
guidance and has become an amazing young man pursuing his goals. I found the quote:
“Family isn’t always about the people in your life who are blood relations. It’s about the people
in your life who want you to be in theirs. It’s about the people in your life who accept you for
who you are, support you in the things you choose to do and no matter what are there for out.
It’s the people in your life who love you, respect you and you can depend on…that’s family.”
This summarizes the essence of the brotherhood Sam & Jayden share. This summer their match
comes to an official close as Jayden begins college in Muncie this fall but they will always
remain “brothers.” I asked each to write a final farewell letter to the other and this is what
they shared.
Stephanie’s Letter:
Sam,
I really don’t know where to start when writing this letter. You came into my son’s life
at the right time. He was going down a path that I couldn’t seem to get him away from. He
was getting in trouble at school and eventually had to finish his 8th grade year off at an
alternative school. This is when you came into his life and changed all of that for him. You
were able to show him something that I couldn’t. You were able to give him hope and see a
brighter future. The bond that you guys share is unbreakable. The two of you have had many
disagreements about sports or whatever is going on. This is what brothers do, they don’t
always get along. Jayden know that no what you are always a phone call away or even just a
nice drive south if he ever needs anything. Jayden’s future is so bright now. He is in college
fulfilling a degree in communication and computer software. He is following in his big brothers
footsteps. This has all happen with your help. The endless phone calls and text messages from
me about him over years, you would drop everything to get on the phone and straighten him
out no matter what
it was that he was going through at that time. Sometimes the phone call would take up to an
hour and you were there no matter what. Jayden experience a loss that could’ve sent him
back down the wrong path, but you was there to make that didn’t happen. When he lost his
grandpa, you were there day and night texting and calling to make sure he was okay. This
helped with keeping on the right path and not to lose focus. Things didn’t get better because
the next year Jayden lost his grandma on the same day that he lost his grandpa. Sam, you
made sure that he was doing okay. Not only were you there for Jayden, you were there for
me to talk to and you made sure that Micheal was doing okay also. No matter what you were
always at all of his important events in his life. When he went to the prom his junior year you
ran to Ross Aide Stadium with no shoes on so that you could be there for that moment
in his life. Then the year you and Rochelle drove in a snow storm to come and watch his
Christmas show with his choir. You have always been someone that my family can count on.
You came to a basketball tournament of Micheal’s one year when we played in Greenfield.
Sam, you would even ask Micheal how things were going with him and how are his grades.
Sam, I could keep writing and saying so many good things about you and what you
have done for my son. You and Jayden may have been matched through the Big Brothers Big
Sisters program. The two of you are actually brothers in every since of the word. This was
shown when Jayden was a part of the biggest day of your life, your wedding day. Your family
has embraced Jayden as one of their own. I am forever grateful for what you have done and
will keep doing for my son after your match has ended. This is just the beginning a
brotherhood between the two of you that will last for years to come. Jayden has a brighter
future thanks to you. Thank you for everything you have done for him Sam!
Love,
Stephanie Holsclaw
Jayden’s Letter:
What does Sam Klemet mean to me? When I hear that question a lot of answers instantly pop
in to my head but there is only one way to truly describe Sam. Sam is my brother. He has been
from the day we got matched and since that day I have known that I can count on Sam for
anything I need help on. When my grandparents passed Sam was there for me and he didn’t
leave my side once and that’s what a brother does. Sam has pushed me to succeed in life more
than anyone ever has. I used to think life was a joke but Sam has always told me to stay in
school and great things can happen. He pushes me academically more than anyone ever has.
Anytime I used to get in trouble I would have to write a two page paper over a topic of Sam’s
choice and if the paper didn’t meet expectations I would have to rewrite it. Without Sam in my
life I honestly don’t know where I would be right now he has been the perfect brother to me
since the day we got matched and I just want to say thank you. At Sam’s wedding I delivered a
speech and as I was delivering the speech I couldn’t help but think what if I didn’t have Sam in
my life, and it was in that moment that I have never been more appreciative for someone. If I
never would have meet this man I doubt I would have been able to make it through the passing
of my grandparents or being cut from my high school basketball team - twice. Sam has always
been there giving advice or just doing what he can to help me fight and persevere. Big Brothers
Big Sisters changed my life when they matched me with Sam and for that I am truly grateful.
Sam’s Letter:
Jayden,
I’m not at all surprised to see you develop into the man you are today because I knew from Day
One that you were destined to be great. I believed in you from the start of our match six years
ago, but at the time, I’ll admit, I probably underestimated the journey.
You have not had an easy life. You weren’t provided with a compass to Easy Street. But, your
determination and grit down the path laid out before you are what make me proudest.
There have been many moments during our time together when I know you thought about
quitting - whether it was school, sports, or choir – but, somehow you continued to dig deep and
unleashed a unique willpower to keep pushing on.
I like to think I played a role in helping you realize how strong you are, but no one but you can
take credit for executing.
While you’ve come a long way, your journey is really just beginning. There will inevitably be
more challenges and hurdles in the future, but you’ve proven to others and, most importantly,
to yourself that you are tough enough to handle whatever is thrown your way.
You will always be my little brother, but I am extremely proud of the man you have become.
There is no one like you and I have learned a lot about life and perseverance through watching
you grow.
Don’t let anything or anyone stop you from continuing to reach higher. You will always have
me in your corner and you know I’ll keep pushing you to strive further.
The footsteps you’ve left throughout your journey have already made an imprint on the people
around you. Now, dare to dream bigger and explore new paths. You’ll be amazed at what else
you’ll find and be able to accomplish.
Love,
Sam