Brother Can You Spare Some Time 1991
Andre Washington and Valdosta Crawford were born in different generations to different parents. Still they are brothers.
This sort of relationship is possible in the Big Brother/ Big Sister Association, the agency that introduced Andre and Val. For 100 years, starting in Philadelphia, it has matched boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16 with men and women willing to share their time and selves.
This story follows Andre and Val during the first few days of their initial meeting through the start of their relationship.
Originally published in the Philadelphia Inquirer on April 28, 1991.
Val waits anxiously for Andre to enter at the Big Brother's Association.
When the two first met, at the association’s offices Andre tried to ease Val into conversation.
Through his shyness Val begins to warm up to Andre.
Goodbyes for now are passed after their initial meeting was a hit.
There are some places - like the football field - where a mother’s support, no matter how freely given, just doesn’t cut it.
Val is comforted by Andre before going into an ear operation.
Val wait as Andre sort though papers on his desk during a visit.
Val visits Andre in his law office and get a bird’s eye view of the city.
Val was apprehensive before his first bowling trip as he waited for Andre to pick him up. but Andre, wanting to give him new experiences, talked him into going.
When the two first met, at the association’s offices Andre tried to ease Val into conversation. After a while, words cams so east the were doing puzzles to the paper.