Steamboat Pilot & Today

As we near the end of National Mentoring Month, I would like to thank the silent heroes in our community. I feel that the mentors in my kids’ lives are special, silent heroes every single day. I cannot adequately express my sincere gratitude to the gentlemen who have stepped forward to help shape the character of my boys.

Throughout the years, my older son, Ian, has had a few mentors. Circumstances change, people change and sometimes the formal mentoring ends, but the relationship usually doesn’t. Ron, Steve and Jim have all been wonderful influences in Ian’s 14 years. My other son, Kyle, has had one mentor for five years and I am in awe of this man and his wife. Travis began his senior partnership with Kyle through Partners in Routt County, and he was single at the time. During those five years, he moved temporarily out of the county, got married and is now a parent to twins. Wow! He makes time for my child, and his wife, Camille, gives up her husband so that he can continue to spend time with Kyle. They are truly a selfless couple. I only can hope that my children grow up to be such great role models to other kids.

For all the adults out there who may have considered becoming a mentor but dismissed it because they thought they had nothing to offer, I am asking them to take the next step. Just being available for a few hours each week can make a huge difference. If you know the difference between right and wrong and can spare a few hours a week, you would be amazed at what you can offer a child! It may seem like a risk, you may have to make some sacrifices, but you will find that not only are you making a difference for that child, you quickly will discover changes in yourself, as well.

There are so many kids in need of a positive adult to come along-side them. They look up to you and think you are the greatest — what an ego rush. These kids can learn from you and your life experiences; it will change your life as well as a young kid’s. You are needed more than you think. Call Partners in Routt County at 970-879-6141 and become a silent hero.

Thank you to all the mentors in our community for the giving of their time and for definitely making a difference in someone else’s life. If you would like to take the next step, Partners is hosting a get-together at 6:30 p.m. today at Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library to provide more information to potential mentors.

Laura Case

Steamboat Springs