Our hometowns stick with us whether we like it or not. We move on and our towns change along with us. There are things though, that stick with you forever. Especially when you're from a small town. Some things never change.
You know you're from Shenandoah when...
The thought of a Donut Stop Donut makes you want to cry tears of happiness. You get cravings which cannot be filled by any other mediocre donut. The idea of a hot, freshly glazed donut keeps you going. The first thing you think of as you pull into town is the idea of setting your alarm because you know you have to be there early to get the good stuff. Dunkin Donuts can only keep you going for so long. You need that Donut Stop.
You have a connection with everyone. You might not know their face but you know their name. You are probably related to half the town. When something happens you recognize the names of everyone involved. You know everyone's business and they know theirs. It's not always a good thing that everyone knows eachother's business but it does bring a certain charming element to the town.
You remember how excited you were when Super Walmart came but all of you memories were from the old Walmart. The new Walmart was built just before I went to college. I was so excited about all of the new things that they were going to have and the idea of having the grocery section got me so excited. I still have weird dreams where I'm walking around Walmart in Shen but it is always the old store. It will forever be the Shenandoah Walmart in my heart.
Your teachers were always the best. As much as you didn't want to get up for school, your teachers always made it worth it. SHS was a special place that will always hold a place in your heart. From homecoming dress up to Winter X Games and Senior Survivor there was always something fun going on and your teachers were always participating in the crazy things that Student Council Planned. Student-Teacher dodgeball games and the opportunity to trade lives with Mrs. Hilding for the day were fun events that you always looked forward to.
You always run into someone you know. You might have moved away 5 years ago but as soon as you walk through Walmart of HyVee you know virtually everyone there. It's a weird sensation. Going from a city where you hardly ever run into someone you know at the store to knowing nearly everyone is a very interesting experience. It almost shocks you when you don't recognize the person at the checkout.
Wabash Arts Camp was the highlight of your summer. Going to Arts Camp was always the thing you looked forward to most during the summer and for good reason. The day camp was always fun and you made great friends from other towns and even states that came to town for camp. You see the murals around town and the memories of dance class, music and macrame flood your head. My brother and I both attended WAC and it was always the saddest thing if we had to leave for a vacation or trip before the end of camp.
You might have changed since you left Shenandoah but those memories will stay forever. Shenandoah will always hold a special place that will always be your home.
