More Than A Patch. Madeline Cournoyer. Kenilworth, Illinois

Dear Patagonia,

Two years ago my family and I embarked on a trip to Vail, Colorado. After a long day of skiing and a series of eventful events we found ourselves roaming the streets of Vail Village. As the snow began to fall and the temperature started to drop we made our way into a Vail apparel store. I walked over to the Patagonia section and my eyes landed on a black coat with a Vail patch on the left arm. After a little bit of convincing my parents agreed to buy the coat for me as an early birthday present. I left the store with a smile on my face and I was ready to wear my new coat anywhere and everywhere. This fall I noticed that the zipper had broken and my mom took it to the dry cleaners. Unfortunately, they could not fix it, but informed us that Patagonia could. It was the time away from my coat that allowed me to realize it wasn’t the Vail patch that made it so special, but rather the life long memories that were made with my family that weekend. From telling stories on the chair lift to watching skis glide through a fresh sheet of powder family ski trips have played an integral part in my life ever since I was young. A pair of skis, boots, and poles have taught me to believe in myself no after what obstacles may come my way. As the world presents us with this Covid-19 Pandemic it is more important than ever before to enjoy the little things in life. The reality is that life is short and if you don’t stop to seize an adventure every once and a while then life will pass you by with a blink of an eye.

- Madeline