Marc Accetta - Big Brothers Big Sisters

I would first like to introduce myself. My name is Sherry Timmerman. I am 40 years old and the mother of five great children, ranging in age from 4 to 17. I never thought that we would find ourselves on the receiving end of a program like this. Our family while larger than most, was probably a lot like most of yours. My husband and I married in 1986. We welcomed each new addition to our family with joy. My husband was a very loving and devoted father. He coached them in soccer and baseball. I can still hear the kids excitedly call out “Daddy,” when he would walk through the door. He usually had one of the kids riding on his shoulders. He was their confidant and best friend. I always felt so lucky that my children would not know what it was like to have a father who was to busy for them.

Then one day in November 2001 our world as we knew it abruptly came to an end. While I was out shopping, my husband’s heart stopped suddenly while home with our youngest children ages 1 and 4 at the time. My 4-year-old son was able to communicate to me that something was wrong with his Dad when I happened to call home. I came home to find my husband on the floor. While he was revived, he passed away 11 days later. Apparently, a recent bout with the flu virus had caused irreparable damage to his heart.

Because my husband had recently started a new job with better pay and hours, we were left with no life insurance. I found myself at 37, with five children, no money and a void bigger than the Grand Canyon. While I slowly began to rebuild our lives, by purchasing a home, starting a new job and enrolling in grief counseling, our lives began to regain some semblance of normal. The void, however, created by the loss of their dad would just simply not go away. While I was working more and trying to keep everything going I simply did not have enough time or money for the family outings we used to enjoy.

Because my husband had recently started a new job with better pay and hours, we were left with no life insurance. I found myself at 37, with five children, no money and a void bigger than the Grand Canyon. While I slowly began to rebuild our lives, by purchasing a home, starting a new job and enrolling in grief counseling, our lives began to regain some semblance of normal. The void, however, created by the loss of their dad would just simply not go away. While I was working more and trying to keep everything going I simply did not have enough time or money for the family outings we used to enjoy.

I look forward to the day when my youngest son who is now 4 will be old enough to participate in the program. I have noticed several changes in my children these last few months. They no longer complain that they never get to do anything. They are more confident and self assured. William has changed the most. After the death of his father, William invented and imaginary friend named Fred and often, experienced anxiety attacks. We no longer hear about Fred, because William no longer needs an imaginary friend, thanks to Big Brother and Big Sisters, he has a real one and they are the Accetta Family. If anyone is considering taking the step to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, I hope my story helps you to understand the impact you can have in the life of a child.