Dear Dothan, Cowarts and Ashford,
They say you can't go home again, but for me that's a negative thought. From the time I've moved away from you, I have always been welcomed with open arms every time I come back. From complete strangers that know my parents to all of my family members that fill your towns. I always thought I couldn't wait to get away from the circle that made Dothan to the small enclosed town of Cowarts and the back roads of Ashford, but I was wrong. I find myself at times missing you a lot, even though you were endlessly boring and I felt like I was enclosed all the time, but every time I come home I feel the love I have for you all over again.
In ways I hated you a lot but there are tons of reasons why I love you. You are where my family and friends are and you hold some of my dearest memories, and for that I am so thankful for you. You have helped shaped me into the person I am today.
To some Dothan may seem small but to us it's big. From the peanuts it's most famous for, literally, it's like a holiday. The peanut festival is big thing around October and November, and trust me you're sure to have an amazing time. There's a circle that makes Dothan, that's right the Ross Clark Circle, so if you ever get lost just keep going around. In that circle you will see tons of restaurants, plenty of places to shop and you're sure to meet some amazing people.
The little town of Cowarts is where I lived, I know what you're thinking, "What is Cowarts?". Let me tell you it's a lot more great than it seems. In Cowarts, as there's not a lot there, we got our first red light a few years ago, which was the worst mistake ever. Over that, in between the little town of Cowarts you're sure to meet the most respectful and warm welcoming people. I know it's small but the people are what make it so great.
Then you go right down highway 84 where you will come into the town of Ashford, well that's where I attended school. In my time of going to Ashford, I didn't have class mates - I had family. From the dirty little kids to the almost mature adults, you were with each other through it all. Since I left there Ashford has came along way, they have some of the best restaurants and let's not forget Wiregrass drug stores ice cream.
These are just a few things why I love and will always call Alabama my home!
