There are a few things you know if you come from a small town:
1. You know everyone on a first-name basis and you could write out their family tree, which is probably somehow connected to you and the rest of the town
2. Everyone knew what was going on in your life before you wanted them to and sometimes before you knew what was going on in your life
3. Nothing is stronger than the community you grew up in, especially when tragedy hits
Growing up in a small town, news spreads quickly. I was sixteen years old when I got a text that changed my life. A close personal friend had passed away in an accident. I remember the details of the day like they were yesterday—calling others close to him to see what they knew, to his best friend answering the phone in a sob to clarify what I already knew, deep down inside of me was true. Within an hour of finding out, I was at his house with his family, but I was not alone. Within hours of his passing, the community had already rallied together and a support system was at his house. There were people outside and inside, some already had food for the family and everyone was there to provide whatever comfort and support they could.
By the end of the day I had phone calls, texts, and personal visits from everyone I had ever known, even those I had not spoken to in years and others I have never talked to a day in my life. As sad as I felt, I had never felt more comforted or loved in my life.
Fast forward to school the following Monday. The principal announced his death over the intercom but he could hardly get it out. Hearing his devastation, I went to the restroom to collect myself, to find other students doing the same. I comforted and was comforted by people who's names I don't remember but am eternally grateful for.
His funeral was anything but sad. The church was packed. The whole community was there. Everyone that had ever known this amazing young man, everyone who loved someone who loved him and everyone who just wanted to be there for love and support.
This was not the first and certainly not the last time my hometown has had its heart broken. However, no matter how big or small the tragedy is, the community never fails to amaze me. When a part of the community is broken, the rest of the community bears its strength in order to put the broken part of the community back together. From fundraisers and auctions to texts and hugs, the overwhelming, unfailing support of a small town can never be broken.
The next time you are thinking of doing something wrong and get caught before you start, the next time some stranger claims to have known you since you were in diapers, be thankful. Be thankful that you grew up with an unfailing support system that will be there to put you back together when you need them most. Remember in times of success, you will have a community behind you supporting you. In times of heartache, know you do not have to keep it together because there will be people there to do that for you.
While there may be times small town life is suffocating and a little bit nutty, not everyone is lucky enough to have grown up in a place where people's hearts break because yours is broken. Where people take time out of their day, money out of their wallet and the shirt off their back to support you, comfort you and provide for you when you need it most.
This last week, my hometown went through another unimaginable loss. The loss of a young man who touched the lives of every single person in the town, he made them feel loved, he made them feel important, and he will be fiercely missed. The town has been shaken to its core, and even at a time where everyone is grieving, all of those people have come together to comfort and support one another. Even though the town may be broken, the community has never been stronger.
"Everybody Dies Famous in a Small Town" - Miranda Lambert
Rest In Peace DNP
Rest in Peace CJS
