I am 18 and a 6th generation farmer in Nebraksa. Whenever I get to come off of my small farm in rural Nebraska it is always a brand new learning experience. When I was 7 my younger brother, who was 3 at the time, was diagnosed with cancer. It was always kinda rough on my family, I didn’t know at the time but looking back at my life I knew a lot was kept secret from me about what all happened, but I had to be quiet about it for my brother. This had me so much more mature for my age well between that and growing up on a farm has always taught me that life is short an never take it for granted. It has now been almost 8 years since my brother has been cancer free and my family and I are all still together. I know my story could have been so much different but I am glad it was not. So my big take away that I would like to share is: life is short do what you love with who you love and don’t take that time for granted.

I received my card at a the National FFA Convention and Mr.Petz was out keynote speaker. His story inspired me to pass on my card.

I received the cars in honor of Nathan from Mr.Perz at the National FFA Leadership Conference and now I am traveling back to California and I’m sharing his story by passing it onto my flight attendant I hopes she will find Nathan’s family

I come from a small town where everyone knows everyone. I believe that if you do something good for someone that one day that will be returned. I hope to help Jon find the family o Nathan.

Emma was born in California, Palm Springs, in 130 degree heat. After two years her parents divorce, and emma did not even know her fathers name. Her mother on the other hand was already looking for someone else to love. Tough times, but as emma grew older she grew more quiet. Once she was five, emma’s world came crumbling down. Her mother and step father started to fight. Her parents started to drink, and soon it became a problem. Her step father become an alcoholic. Emma saw how much pain, and agony this brought to her family. She wanted everything to stop and go away, but no matter how much she tried, it just came crashing back. Maybe if she killed herself, she might be noticed. Then the thought hit her. “Mom I’m going to kill myself.” Emma came marching into her mothers room. As soon as this words left emma’s mouth, her mother jumped to her feet, embracing emma on a suffocating hug. Tears pooled out of her mothers eyes, and she said something that would change emma’s life forever. ” Everyone loves you” tears came out of emma’s eyes ” No matter how much you think, no matter how much you want to kill your self, remember that I will always love you.” Her mother spoke, almost a whisper.

After that day, emma has had thoughts, but they all go away. She remembers those words her mother spoke, and she remembers all the people she has loved. And all the people that loved her.