Memories and My Letterman Jacket

High school brings back fond memories of Letterman jackets, girls, football, friends, and pictures of all of us being teenagers. Back then being an athlete and good student was my main focus, besides girls, partying and establishing friendships. I have great memories of this picture being taken in the gymnasium, and it had to be around the winter time, because I had on my favorite football letterman jacket. That jacket takes me back to the time I had to beg my mom to get me a that jacket, I wanted it because I remember when my oldest brother was in H.S. and played football he had a Letterman jacket. It took my mom forever to get me that jacket, and I thank her for that. That jacket of mine had no school name on it, but it did have my varsity letter and my shields from playing various sports. During that time I couldn't afford the other glamorous things that went on the jacket, come to think of it I sewed my own letter and shields on by hand. That jacket was an accomplishment in itself let alone all the hard work and sweat I had to do to earn the items on it. I wonder today why so many teenagers refuse to go to school, and not want to have memories the friends, outings and events. The thought just don't sit well with me.

The people in this photo hold a special cell in my memory for our friendship, some I remember others I am sure we crossed in the hallway. Not knowing some of them and all the problems that I am sure we shared, makes me think of all the relationships that could have been. When I look at the photo it reminds me of various things that I can understand now but didn't when I was a teenager. Let me list a few things from memory that I had seen and some I had heard was taking place. Also, this picture has I believe 3 other photo parts about the same size and classmates as this one. Some things that were going on here, friendships being born, friendships ending, scholarships, date rape, babies being made, parties, sexuality, dope boys, self doubt, alcohol, mental illness, wealth, understanding, growing up fast, and love. All these things were taking place and thru it all we for the most part survived.

The last memory that crosses my mind was about one individual in this picture who passed away. I reunited with him when I was finishing up in college; I was working as an intern at a food shelter. I came across one of my classmates while I was serving food. He was on the other side being served, we talked and I asked him what happen, I thought he went off to college after H.S., he said he did but tragedy struck his family his parent passed away. He told me it took a tool on him that was unbelievable. During that internship we spoke often whenever he would show up. When I finished school I heard he had passed away, I am sure he was at piece being able to see his God.

Sometimes life is not fair, but being fair is not always what life is about, to me it's about God, friendships, love, and life lessons. That jacket by the way no longer exists in my life. I often think of it whenever I see a student wearing their Letterman jacket. Memories are all we have and when we have no memories we have no past.