Dear Hometown,

I've been gone for a long time now. I imagine if I should ever return everything would still be the same. The same neighbors, businesses, trees, schools — and that's why I left to begin with. It was nothing against you, but it also was. I needed a change. I needed a chance to go find adventures, explore the world and live a little. How am I supposed to do that living in the same small town?

We had a lot of great memories. You taught me a lot of great lessons about life. You provided me with all my important "firsts." First steps, first friends, first boyfriend, first kiss, first job, but now it's time for me to move on. It's time I collect all my "seconds," and "thirds" and even "fourths."

Sometimes I may have seemed ungrateful and hateful towards you. I couldn't wait to leave and I said I'd never return, but looking now, know all of that wasn't true. I was young and ready to explore the world. I was anxious. But I'll always have a special place in my heart for you. After all, I never would have had the bravery I have now without you.

Have no fear, though. Everything I become later is all thanks to you. You can take full credit. All my memories begin with you. You are a staple in my life. I'll never forget about you. I may live somewhere else now, but you'll always be my home. One day I will return, and I'll appreciate everything a lot more. I'll savor every moment of being back.

It's not goodbye. It's only "see you later."