We all have that place. We were born there. We were raised there. To some it may be multiple places, but there is one spot from your past where a piece of your heart will always be. For me my hometown where I was born, raised, and went to school is that place.
My high school class was less than 150 people, and it was full of neighbors, kids from Sunday school class, and best friends since kindergarten. You grow up together, you mature together, and you get in trouble together. On Saturday everyone is in the back of a corn field at a bonfire, and the next Sunday morning you are beside each other in church. You take care of each other, you look out for your friends, and you let people know when they're in the wrong. Even if you don't know the person well, you know their family, or your mom is in the same Bible study as their mom. You understand each other and you know what is expected of them because the same is expected of you.
To the one that warned me of my relationship: At the time, I got mad. I got frustrated because I never imagined that guy could be anything but perfect. Turns out you were right. After picking up the shattered pieces of my heart, I realized how true your words had been, and I hate I didn't listen to them before that person broke me.
To the guys I shared my sophomore year with: Thank you. You took me in when I was broken and at a bad time in my life. We laughed, we got in trouble, we enjoyed being teenagers. We had just got our licenses and some of my best memories are of us riding in your Jeep in the snow. We were young, and we had no worries in the world.
To my first love: I've gotten over the heart break you put me through. I've moved on, and I've learned that there is much better out there for me. You took a piece of me with you when you left. I never forgot you but I'm sure you forgot me. You taught me what it felt like to be totally in love with someone, even when I thought I already knew that. You weren't my first boyfriend, but you will always be a part of me because of the lesson you taught me.
To my high school math teacher: I know I bribed you with cookies, but it was always because I liked you. You taught me lessons beyond the classroom and always challenged me to try just a little bit harder. You prepared me well for college, and regardless of what other people think of you, I want to thank you for being someone to look up to.
To "them boys:" The ones that thought they ran the town. They came to school with mud on their trucks and parked together in the back of the parking lot. Carhartt coats and Rocky boots were trademarks you wore proudly. Most people would walk past you and turn up their nose, but if anyone got to know you they could see that on the inside, you had a heart of gold and would do anything to help someone. You were there to provide a laugh, or a good example of what not to do on occasion, but you were there. Gossiping in the back of Spanish class, or plotting to steal the school Christmas tree, thank you. Going through my teenage years were a little more fun because of you.
To my best friend: We were awkward, we were nerdy, but we were made for each other. Together through high school we got into all sorts of activities, and I can't think of anyone I would have rather had beside me. From all nighters in your attic, to trips to the beach at 4 a.m., life was fun because you were in it. I miss you terribly, but one day we will be back together. The distance may change but the bond never will.
To the one I'm with now: You are amazing. You know my entire past and you accept me for who I am. You support me with my current plans and helped my heart heal when I didn't know it was broken. You are smart, you are funny, and you are kind. You have the qualities of people I admire from my past, and new attributes that still challenge me to better myself. You understand where I came from, and help me to remember that.
Small towns are a blessing and a curse. It's great that you know everyone and have numerous people to call to help you out, but its bad to know everyone. Rumors are started, your brother knows what you did before you do, and the only truth kept is the one never told. If I could go back, I wouldn't change a thing. Things were difficult at times, but with people to lean on, it becomes the best time of your life.
