You've heard about it, small town living, where everyone knows your mom and 'em, word travels fast, and time seems to go by a little slower.
I left my small town after graduation. I lived in big cities, and now I live in a bigger county not too far from the place I call home. As a military spouse, I know that it may be a while, if, I ever go back to where my roots were grown.
I visit home frequently since it's only a few minutes up the road. There's just something about small towns. It's breathing fresh air that isn't polluted with city smells and noise. It's backroads, fields of corn, and a peace that is only found in a small town. It's simplicity at it's finest.
When things happen in a small town, it takes absolutely no time for word to travel around. So sneaking out or getting into trouble is pretty hard to do without getting caught. Everyone seems to know everyone in some sort of way, whether their cousins, friends, or went to school together.
Grocery shopping is always a family or high school reunion. The hair salon is where you'll hear the latest gossip. You'll hear about Susan going to jail or about Kim's kids, or some other small town gossip about someone you haven't spoken to in years.
It's the place where I became the person I am today and it helped me blossom in so many ways. It holds so many of my memories. It's where I fell in love, felt heartbreak, worked my first job, learned how to drive, and it will always be a part of me no matter where I go in my life.
Small town living isn't for everyone, but it's something that feels right. There's something special about the quiet, slow-paced life. It's relaxing sitting at home without hearing the hustle and bustle of the city, just crickets chirping and a safe, secure feeling of home.
It's a place where you don't know how much you'll miss it until you leave.
