I've lived a few different places, from college in Nashville to my semester abroad in Australia. Nothing is quite like the town I was raised in. North Haven, Maine is different than most places. It's an island resting 12 miles off the coast of Maine. I haven't seen another place where everyone throws out a friendly wave as they drive by. There is no other town where everyone calls you by name.
It's a blessing and a curse. You quickly develop a reputation for yourself. Things stick with you forever here. Everyone says people will forget, but they don't. When it comes down to it, you'll always be the kid who wrecked his truck that summer night, or the girl who dropped out of school.
People don't forget, but they do move on. Something more exciting than your car crash happens, something new to talk about will always pop up. You get your 15 minutes of fame, and then you step out of the spotlight.
While the people here can be judgmental, maybe even hypocritical at times, they have all helped shape me into the woman I am today. I will admit this small town had a large hand in raising me.
Everyone is a hard worker.
The island starts to buzz as early as 3 a.m. with the sound of lobster boat engines. Men and women with salt water in their veins, suffering from peeling hands, herring bone splinters, and sunburnt cheeks steam out to haul their first string of many, and begin their long day. My hometown taught me the importance of working hard at what you love.
Everyone is strong.
Be it physically, mentally, or spiritually. My hometown taught me to be tough. To stand up for what you believe in, never settle for less, and be the best version of yourself every day. Most importantly to not care what other people think of you. Even when you go through something hard, your determination to be the best, without being arrogant, defines you.
There's always a helpig hand if you need it.
I have definitely seen that if ever you're in a sticky situation, there will be someone to help. When my car ran out of gas, four different people stopped to see if I was okay. That simply wouldn't happen in a big city. People pass by. If you run into trouble with your health, and can't pay your medical bills, the wives of the fishermen will be the first to donate a homemade dinner to your potluck fundraiser. When you bring your first baby home there will be a welcome home sign waiting for you on the town message board. My hometown made me understand that helping your neighbor is just as important as helping yourself.
We are family.
A member of my community is a member of my family. Many of these women took care of me when I was little. The men taught me how to drive. The kids teach me more and more every day about creativity. If I see your dog on South Shore road I'll pick him up and take him home, so you don't have to leave work. If you need an extra $5 at the store, I'll hand it to you and I don't expect you to pay me back. That's just what family does. My hometown taught me the importance of family.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, so thank you, North Haven, for raising me. I hope one day I get to prove to you all that you did a pretty damn good job.