Being from a small town has its pros and cons. Some people love it and some people hate. Some people leave as fast as they can and never turn back, and some people never think twice about staying. No matter what point of view you have, being from a small town is definitely its own experience that will never leave your soul.
I know, the idea of a small town is so cliché. But in all reality, I would not change where I’m from in any way. I love my hometown. And to be honest, I will probably never leave.
Small town living is not perfect by any means, but it can be so wonderful. You always see someone you know everywhere you go. Everyone knows your mom and dad. You will always be “so and so’s little sister or brother” or “so and so’s kid.”
Every big milestone in your life will be shared with the entire county, whether you want it to or not. You got pulled over? Well, your parents know before you even call them or get home. You kissed that boy before you left McDonald's? Your parents already know. You got in trouble? EVERYBODY already knows. You are missed and talked about when you’re not around. Rumors go around and around like they are everyone’s business when nobody should even know the cops brought you to your parents at 1:30 in the morning.
When your parents are getting divorced, you would not believe how many weird looks of sympathy you get. You don’t get into the college you wanted? Well Johnny’s uncle knows how you feel. When it’s time to get married, you are going to have such a hard time on narrowing down the guest list because Sue’s uncle’s daughter’s sister’s best friend’s youngest sister just has to be there!
There are so many unique qualities that a only a small town will have. You will know when its planting time because you can’t mistake the smell of chicken poop for anything else. You know that there is always a football game on Friday nights because school just started. You know that there is someone playing some kind of softball or baseball game so you might as well ride up to the field to see everybody. The high school FFA will always have their fruit fundraiser to be ready to buy a box of oranges. The craft show at Christmas isn’t big, but you better get your butt up there so you can buy some of Lisa’s homemade wreaths and Judy’s homemade fudge. You know who is graduating that year because senior night is a really big deal. You are patiently awaiting the arrival of ten babies because when one gets pregnant, they just keep on going.
There are some people who really hate it. And that’s okay. Everyone has different feelings about growing up with no neighbors, but everyone knowing whose grandchild you are. But for those of us that love it, we truly love it. There’s nothing we would ever change about it. I had my share of going to a big school that was two hours away. And to be honest, I transferred and ran back home as fast as I ran out. I came to the realization that I will never leave home. Because it’s my home. It’s part of who I am. Small town roots grow so deep into your soul, that it’s something that will always shine through even if it’s just a little twang in your accent on a certain word or its in plain sight by the way you walk.
And yes, there may be more cows than people. But you can bet that there will be kids to grow up and love their small town for many, many years to come. The love of a small town never truly leaves. It remains a part of you. Forever.
