There's something to be said about you, the place where I grew up -- the place where I learned life's hardest lessons, the place where I cruised back roads, the place where I experienced my first heartbreak from the death of a friend, and the place that made me who I am. I know many people in my hometown who hated growing up in such a small area where everyone knows everything about everyone. Even I have done my fair share of groaning and complaining about the gossip, the lack of entertaining things to do, and the inability to grocery shop without seeing at least eight people I know. But now, I take it all back, because I miss you.
When I moved away for college, I thought I was finally getting the freedom I always wanted. I would be away from the same people I had known my whole life and be given the option to make new friends and experience new things. I was right-- college is just that. It's laughing until you cry with the best friends you never knew you were missing out on and learning to love your new college town. It's exploring new restaurants, seeing new sights, and turning the wrong way down one way streets because you never knew those existed. It's amazing, but it pales in comparison to you, my real home.
I get such a rush on my drive home to you. Relief washes over me when I come upon the city limit sign. I soak up as much of you as possible on my short weekend at home, and then I am saddened to be leaving you again so quickly. Don't get me wrong, I love my college town and could not be happier with my decision to be spending time away from you in such an incredible place, but you will always have a special place in my heart. You have taught me what friendship is. You've showed me the truest definition of hospitality and neighborly love. You have taken care of the loved ones that I leave behind when I go to my new home, and you have welcomed me with open arms when I've returned.
Know that I love you. Know that I value you and your citizens. Know that I will do everything I can to make others see how wonderful you are. And know that I'll always, always come home.
"Maybe you have to leave in order to really miss a place. Maybe you had to travel to figure out how beloved your starting point was." Jodi Picoult
