Column: Carolyn Smith, Guest Column

Seven years ago, when Tony Trujillo first met his mentor, Larry Peterson, Tony said to his parents, Jodi and Fidel, “He’s old.”

Peterson says, “It’s been Tony’s job ever since to keep me young.”

Tony was only 9 years old at the time. He did not want to leave the safe haven of his Wells home, so for weeks Larry brought games to his house. Now Tony is almost 17, a sophomore at United South Central School in Wells. Recently the two looked back on the time they have spent together and shared their thoughts.

“Tony and Larry are a match made in heaven,” said Jodi. “They have a lot in common. Tony looks up to Larry. He’s got patience and experience.”

Tony needed a special person as a mentor because he lives life in a wheelchair. Not every volunteer would feel comfortable with his special needs, but Peterson’s experience as a special education teacher helped.

Peterson worried a bit in the beginning. “Back then I could pick him up and put him in the car, but I thought ‘Tony’s going to be getting older and so am I.’ It became a non-issue. Tony’s gotten so strong that all I have to do is hold the chair.”

Mentors and mentees meet two to four times per month. Tony and Peterson spent time at Pihl’s Park where Peterson and his wife, Ruth, lived when he was the caretaker. Peterson remembers they built a rocket that stuck in a tree. Tony recalls when his mentor threw him in a big leaf pile and he sunk to the bottom.

“You were lucky I couldn’t lift you or you’d have been next,” said Tony.

Peterson modified a bicycle with a handle in back so Tony could ride with him pushing. “He was the brains and I was the motor,” said Peterson. “The motor would run out of gas pretty frequently.”

“Tony was very excited, thinking he could ride a bike,” said his mother.

They attended many group events for mentors and mentees, such as a fishing, bowling, and trips to the Science Museum of Minnesota and Mystery Cave. Once Peterson presented a program on the American flag for the whole group and then we ate red, white and blue cake.

What Tony will always remember is Peterson taking him to Mankato, the Twin Cities and even Becker to play wheelchair basketball. “We practiced at the Y in Albert Lea and shooting hoops at the school. Tony’s a good shot,” said Peterson.

He describes his role as “basically a friend who happens to be older, who can drive and provide some insight. It isn’t like you have to have all these skills other than just living life. I consider myself Tony’s friend. I don’t take on the responsibility of being a parent.”

Tony said he would recommend having a mentor to any child or teenager. “It’s fun doing stuff. I get to tease Larry about his age. I look forward to it.”

His sister, Jessica, is hoping someone will be her mentor. She’s 13, a seventh-grader at USC, and also in a wheelchair. Jodi would like it to be someone with some nursing or health care experience.

“One of the nice things with Tony is I don’t have to be a teacher,” said Peterson.

“But you always have to bring THAT up,” Tony said.

“I always ask him what’s the one thing you learned this week,” said Peterson. “I tell him what my dad said to me — all I want you to do is to learn how to think.”

Tony and his mentor are both busier now than when they started, so they do not meet as often, but Peterson said, “I plan to keep going till he doesn’t answer the phone.”

That is not likely to happen. Tony said, “Larry and Ruth are my adopted grandparents.”

“I applaud Tony’s parents and his sister for being very supportive. I feel at home here,” said Peterson.

Tony is thinking about what he wants to do with his life. Like any teen, he looks forward to living independently. He would like to go to college, perhaps to study computers.

“Tony has plenty of ambition. I’m looking forward to watching Tony pursue his dreams, knowing him, as those dreams unfold.”

“Larry is awesome,” said Jodi.

“Give that girl a buck,” said Peterson.

If you would like to be a mentor to a girl or boy in eastern Faribault County or Freeborn County, contact me at 507-383-5272 or starsforkids@yahoo.com. Many children and teenagers are hoping you will.

Carolyn Smith is the coordinator of STARS and Community Mentor Connection.