The FFA Jacket.

The weirdest part about packing for college was not packing my FFA Jacket. In almost all of my major trips, that jacket was always the first thing I packed. But for the past 8 months, my jacket has been hanging in my closet at home. 
If I could write a letter to my FFA jacket:

Dear FFA Jacket,

I zipped you up for the first time in September 2008. I had seen other people wearing something like you, but I just thought you were a key part to a uniform that I would only wear while dealing with animals. 

Then it began.

You were with me for every livestock show, every speech contest, every CDE Contest.

You helped me serve the community, and you were there when others served me.

You were there for every award I won and every award I didn't win.


You went with me to Indianapolis for 5 times. Two of those times, you were there when I played with the National FFA Band.

For three years, you proudly wore a "State FFA Chorus" pin.

You influenced the hundreds of articles I wrote and the thousands of pictures I took.


You helped me develop leadership skills.

You were there for many laughs, many stories, and many tears.

You were used for warmth on cold days. 

You were with me when I received my State FFA Degree.

You've sat with me for long hours in the Ag Truck.

You've made new friends with me.

You've helped me support my fellow peers with all of their endeavors. 

You represented me, my town, and my state.

You've witnessed much more than I can imagine, and you can tell a story unlike any other.

I unzipped you for the last time in May 2013, and now you hang in my closet at home. I will leave you there in hopes that one day, my brother or my children will go snooping in my closet and find you. I will tell them all my favorite stories of you. 

Thank you for being the one thing I could always depend on being there.


Sincerely, 
Me.