Dear Hometown,

I know I don’t visit you as often as I would like to and when I do, the visits aren’t long. For that, I am sorry. You were the place where I was born. You were where I had my first steps. Where I went to school, where I met my friends, and where I had my first crush. You are where my family is. You hold many treasured memories. There will never be any place that compares to you. My life is a continuing journey as I grow older, and going back to you has become a rare, but cherished occasion to say the least. When I visit, there is always a smile on my face as I look around and admire where I grew up. Where I became the person I am today.

They say that being home is where you are most comfortable. They say you know your hometown as if it was the back of your hand. Well, they aren’t wrong. Nothing compares to being home, back with you. Being back where I grew up and being back with my family is the most comforting feeling in the entire world.

You may have flaws, but then again who doesn’t? Nothing in this world is perfect, but to me, you are. To me, you are a work of art. You are a part of so many people’s lives. You shape those around you into the people they become. Many who leave you will always return throughout their life. They see how you have grown, just how they have. You change with the times, with the new additions, but you remain the same constant in my life. You are not easily forgotten and I am reminded of you daily.

You are a beautiful hometown and the memories I have with you have been enjoyed and shared among many. I pictured my future with you when I was younger, but things have changed. I’ve grown up. I’ve gone away to college, I have had new experiences, and created more memories. Soon I will have a big girl job, and who knows where that will take me. One day I will be married and have children. I will tell my children every little thing about you. I’ll show them everything about you that makes you so special to me, so close to my heart. They will see why I am the way I am. They will understand why I smile at the thought of returning to you, to all of our memories.

I am proud to call you my hometown, to say I grew up in the most beautiful small city. You have so much to offer, even if it is just to those passing through, they will never forget you. You are not a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ type of city. You are one of a kind and you are mine.

No matter where I end up, I will always come back to the place I call home.