Girl Scout Leader

I was a Girl Scout leader for 5+ years when I lived in Ohio.  For every outing, every project, we had badges and patches. 

I kept them all and sewed them onto this puffy rain jacket.  It was the perfect jacket for Ohio rains and cold winter outings.  Every patch had a meaning, and a memory. 

I've been at a loss as to what to do with this relic - so I snapped a few photos and stuck it in the Goodwill box. *sigh*

Why is it so hard to let go of some memories?  I have had this in storage since 2004. But having come to some realizations about my childhood, and myself, I think I like what it represented to me. As a Girl Scout leader, I had finally grown into someone I liked. I had a good group of girls and one of the other moms and I had a blast teaching while having fun. We helped the girls grow, and in return, we grew as well.  

Out from under my mother's control, I was at peace with who I was, who I was becoming.  And I am so grateful for this time in my life.