Dear Mr. Philpot

Dear Mr. Philpot,

I love you.

Though my eyes are brimmed with tears, my heart overflows with joy as I am confident about where you are right now. 

You were my hero in so many ways.

You taught me that being passionate about something is a good thing, and encouraged me to never give up.

You showed me and many others the love of Christ through selfless and unconditional love. 

You gave me an undying love for the National FFA Organization.

You encouraged me to be who I am--  to be a leader, and not a follower.

You lead me outside of my comfort zone so many times-- forcing me to give my speech to a bunch of uninterested juniors and seniors until I got it just right.

You demonstrated patience when I needed it, and discipline when I needed that. 

You taught me that if I did my best, then that's all I could do. But, if I didn't do my best, then why complain-- that's my own fault, work harder next time. Actions speak louder than words. 

You showed me that life doesn't have to be so serious--that humor is a good thing.

We shared our love for good eats-- although if you were here, you would still argue with me that a ribeye is the best cut of beef and I would argue for the filet.

You showed me that happiness is an essential part of life. And around you, I don't think anyone was ever unhappy (unless they were being scolded :))

I think very few people in this world can see right through me (at least I hope) but somehow, I always knew that you could. If I was doing something that didn't make me happy, you didn't have to voice your disapproval-- I could just see it in your eyes.

You taught me that we may all have our opinions, but sometimes it's wise to just keep it to ourself. 

Although you yourself were known to be outspoken, you would never say something to intentionally bring somebody else down. I believe you saw the best in everybody.

To be honest, I had no idea this day would come.

I imagined you being one of those people I would see at my wedding.

But all the sudden. Boom. You're gone.

And although I am so happy for you to be where you are now, I must say I will miss you dearly.

I thought you would be there for me to periodically have lunch dates with for the majority of my adult life.

I thank you for all our Ivy House outings, and for caring enough to consistently check up on me since I graduated. 

But I will miss your wisdom. I will miss your world view. I will miss your hugs and I will miss your laugh and I will miss the light that was always in your eyes. 

I think the hardest part of all of this is realizing all I have left now are a few pictures and memories-- and knowing that those memories may fade away. 

But for now, the memories are vivid. You blaring Pirates of the Carribean music in your truck on the way to Meats competitions, walking around Winn Dixie and quizzing us on all the cuts of meat, having a pep talk before every Parli Pro competition, giving me a warm hug when that girl slammed the door at State Convention and I completely forgot my speech, calling me crazy for getting chicken at Sonny's after every meats competition, calling me "Top-Knot" when I had embarrassingly short hair and wore it in a bun,

"are you afflicted?"

"that's your seat until the Lord comes back!"

"mean spirited!"

Mr. Philpot, you're a legend in both the Williston community and Florida FFA. And the best part about it is I don't believe you ever intended to be one.

I wish I could be selfish and say this loss is so personal but you've had a unique impact on so many people-- your love didn't have limits. 

But I just wanted you to know that I appreciate the impact you've had on my life, I love you, and I will dearly miss you.

You told everyone "be safe" when they left your presence. And now you've left ours, undoubtedly as safe as can be.

But until then, Mr. Philpot, I'll be safe… and will see you soon.

Love, 

Miranda