Hat

            He was probably the best friend I ever had. We went through everything together. He was there for me every time I needed him, through my parents divorce, and through almost every difficult time in my life since I was 13 years old. He was known as my Knicks hat. The New York Knick hat I got for Christmas when I was in 7th grade. That was the last Christmas I ever spent with my Dad, the last Christmas we ever spent as a family. For that Christmas break he informed my mom and I he was leaving for good. At the time, it saddened and disappointed me. Now however, almost six years later I am all the stronger. I have a deep appreciation for family and friends perhaps more than other kids that have not been through a divorce. .
             (I need a better transition here, could you help me)I lost him once. My Mom and I took a ride in her car with the top down. We were cruising down the highway when the joy ride took a turn for the worst. My hat flew off my head and out onto the highway of speeding cars and monstrous trucks. Mom thought it was gone for good, but I would not let that happen. I began my frantic search on the side of the highway and I could not believe my luck. There, safely on the shoulder of the road was my trusty old Knicks hat! We were reunited.
             My Mom hated that old smelly hat, but she understood its significance, just like she understands me. None of my friends understood its value. Certainly it was not the most beautiful hat, but it meant so much to me. My Mom was the only person who recognized its true meaning. She understood the security I felt with that hat. It was molded so perfectly to my head. How rare it is to get a perfectly fitted hat. The meaning of that bond to keep the past alive and also share the experiences that molded me into who I am today was simply signified in my Knicks hat. Faded and torn, pieces held together with duct tape, and stained from the sweat of my forehead it was the most beautiful thing I owned.