To the one place I can always call home,

Growing up here had its ups and downs. There were days I never wanted to leave and times I couldn't wait to get out. Being born and raised in a small town is something I am very proud to say. You held my hand from the day I started walking until I was preparing to leave for college. Although I knew that a day would come when I'd have to spread my wings, I will never forget what you taught me. I had to move on and find somewhere bigger than the local McDonald's and the car wash "hang out" spot. But I am forever grateful for you.

First of all, I want to say thank you. Thank you for shaping me into the person I am today. You are the place that built me, gave me confidence, and taught me how to just be. You are comfort to me. College in a new city is big and scary and completely unfamiliar, but I know I always have you to come home to. You will embrace me with open arms, and it'll be like I never even left. I know I have somewhere I always feel welcome when I'm feeling out of place everywhere else.

Second, I also kind of have to complain about you. There was never anything to do. Like I said, the main place to hang out was the car wash. Gossip traveled fast. Everybody knows everybody. News as small as who changed their hair traveled quicker than lightening. My parents typically knew what I was doing before I did. In reality, that was exactly what I needed. You kept me accountable for my actions. I learned that if I was doing something I wanted to be kept a secret, I shouldn't have been doing it in the first place. The whole town was going to find out anyway.

I never thought I would miss your many winding back roads or your random corn fields. But now I get so excited when I get off the interstate and start to see those familiar roads and fields. I miss your simplicity and your straightforwardness. I won't say that college isn't home to me. It's just home in a very different way. People aren't as friendly. It's not as likely to see one of your best friends when your out grocery shopping. College is crazy, hectic, and never-ending. Now, when I come back to you, I feel life just slow back down to the pace I was used to. I can calm down and just live. I'll never take your relaxed lifestyle for granted ever again.

Growing up and moving on wasn't easy. There's no way I'll ever truly leave you, not completely. A piece of my heart will be stuck with you forever. Just like parts of you will show through me for the rest of my life as well. And, quite frankly, I'm completely okay with that.