I know the streets like the back of my hand. I can tell you all the traditions and festivities that take place throughout the year. I can on-the-spot sing the high school alma mater and I can tell you who is who's cousin (because let's face it, in a small town everyone is related to everyone). Basically it's all sterotypical small-town cliche and although you try your dern hardest to hate it growing up, once you leave it for the "real world" you have to admit that you wish you could be back in your hometown where you feel comfortable and safe.

Likewise, I was once one of "those" kids who always yearned for the release that seemed to entrap all of the adults in my town into staying there for their whole lives. I was a no-go for pep rallies because I felt as if I was "too cool for school" and I have to admit, growing up in Erath for my entire existence was getting boring and old all at once. I can't be the only one who has pined away for the chance to discover some other adventure in some other town. Once I graduated high school and turned eighteen, that's all I wanted to do.

Yet, I didn't stray too far from my roots, only a mere forty minutes north to my new home away from home, Lafayette and although I was more than eager to live in a city that before I only ventured to when I was in search of some enjoyment, something was telling me that my heart wasn't yet ready to truly call my home. Honestly, I'm still a little hesitant to call it my home.

But like all true hometowns, the spirit and people never leave you. In many ways, the town you hail from is a major factor that plays into who you are today and what you do with your future.

One thing that has always bothered me is the label of "town rat". I'm more than positive that there has been a day since my high school graduation that I've been labeled as such. Mainly because you can always see me out-and-about in Erath on any given day. I truly believe that it is quite sad that someone can attempt to make fun of you for coming back to the place that you love. The place you call home.

I'm also sad for the people who left their hometowns because they felt as if they couldn't be themselves. Or maybe the town didn't serve as a place of happiness for them. Whatever the case, it's always good to remember that some can't find the good there may be throughout their hometown. A hometown does not have a happy place in the hearts of some therefore, we can't blame them for leaving.

Luckily, for me and others like myself, my hometown is one of my favorite places in the world. It's a place that I will love and cherish no matter where I may be and until my last days on Earth.

For the past couple of weeks, everyone has been asking me why I continuously venture south into Erath. I vaguely tell them how I miss home and I have some errands to run in town and although it is ninety-five percent true the other five percent is that it's where I want to be all the time (well, most of the time at least). I think it's because deep down I knew they were all happy where they are now and my words wouldn't be too convincing enough for them to actually care.

I think the real reason is because a person and a heart knows where they belong and the place they feel the most like themselves. The place holds a level of utmost importance in their hearts. I'm not sure if it is because I've spent seventeen years of my life in Erath or if it just serves as a source of childhood nostalgia for me but Erath, along with a few others, serves an important place in my life and heart. For me, Erath is not only my hometown, it's also my heart.

I'm so thankful to be one of the lucky few who love and appreciate where they come from. Erath is a class-act town with so many loving and special people. Thank you Erath for being my town and my heart.