When I was in high school I remember telling my mom, “Better enjoy seeing me this much because when I go to college I am never coming home.” There was the constant be home at this time, text me at every location, and do I know who that is? When did you start hanging out with her? All throughout high school I couldn’t wait to graduate and be able to finally go places without a curfew. But there is one thing I didn’t realize: how I would miss it. I never thought I would miss telling someone where I’ve been or who I am hanging out with. I couldn’t wait to grow up and do my own thing without the responsibility of having a curfew. Little did I know being home and having those responsibilities was the thing I would miss.
We all reach a certain age where it is time to move away, start a life for ourselves, and some do that earlier than others, which is OK. Itching to leave home and get away with a new start can be so exciting, yet so mind-opening at the same time. We don’t really realize how much we miss home until we miss it. All of the memories with our high school friends, late night drives listening to music, or cooking til 2 a.m. with your mom slowly fades because you are starting a new beginning for yourself in a town with new people, and you know what? That is OK. That doesn’t mean you forgot everyone; it just means you are moving on to the next chapter of your life and making new memories for you.
Of course, you will be back on holidays with your family, seeing old friends and talking about the past; that doesn’t ever go away. But it is and always will be a part of you. No matter the distance or age, your hometown will always be home. That is the best thing about memories; they always stay with you wherever you go and you can take a little bit with you each time.
So, whenever you get the chance go home, lay on that big comfy couch, call up an old friend, and grab some of mom's special recipes. Because, whether we believe it or not, our sweet little town will always be home and it will always hold a special place in our hearts -- no matter how much we try to say we can’t wait to go. Hold on to your friends and the special memories you make each place you go. Don’t take being at home with your parents for granted, because you never know when someday is now and you are no longer the kid in high school; you are now the grown up with a big kid job.
