To the place I called home for 16 years,
Thank you for giving me the greatest friends, memories, and childhood. I'm sorry for all of the times I called you hell, boring, and lame. I am sorry I wished our time away, anxiously awaiting this moment. I knew this day would come, but I imagined it to be some extravagant feeling of starting a new chapter in my life.
As I drove around your streets recently, I could not help but feel deeply saddened by the fact we have grown apart, and that I will be leaving you for good this summer. It is hard for me to put into words the feeling of going to a place and feeling so disconnected, something I never thought I would really feel while I was here. I cannot express how blessed I have been to grow up in such a strong and supportive community, a place where I am surrounded by wholesome individuals that are so proud of the town they live in.
These roots are where I experienced all of life's firsts. It is on these streets where I learned to drive, and in these parks where I learned to ride a bike. It is in this school district that provided me with an excellent education and inspiring teachers that pushed me to be not only a good student, but a good person. It's on this land where countless bonfires occurred in my best friend's backyard where we talked about how the future would unfold. This place is not just a place, it is the place that made me the woman I am today. It is the smallest most minuscule details that I will remember forever. It's the craziest feeling in the world that soon, the mail I receive will have a completely different city on the front. When new people ask me where I'm from, do I say your name? Or do I say the name of my new home?
I can never express how much appreciation I have for what this town has brought to my life. I watched this town experience everything from tragedy to pure bliss and everything in between. This town taught me to roll with the punches and that life should keep you on your toes. That the world doesn't owe you anything, you owe something to the world. I have found lifetime friendships with incredible individuals who understand me because we have all grown up together in the same place for so long. I have gained amazing memories that will last a lifetime. I see the world as such a beautiful place because I grew up in such a positive community full of vibrant individuals who want to make a difference.
I don't want to even begin to imagine the person I would be without my hometown. My address may no longer have your name on it, but my heart always will. Times are continuously changing, but memories will forever be the same. Thank you for 16 years of my life that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Love,
Me
