Small towns taught us...
To find happiness in the little things in life
You've probably had people ask you, "What do you even do for fun around here?" The truth is, the best memories are the ones where you just hung out with the people you've known since preschool. You made the best out of all you had. It never mattered that the closest mall was over an hour away, the road trips were always the best part.
To be patient
"Stop and smell the roses" is small town U.S.A. in a nutshell. You stop and smile at everyone you see. There is no “Just running into the store quick” because you will run into your coach, uncle and best friend from kindergarten.
To have pride
Growing up, every Friday night was spent supporting your school. You traveled hours to surrounding schools to watch your classmate make the game winning basket, and to cheer on the sidelines of your very own Friday Night Lights. You developed a pride that traveled with you even after graduation.
To always (try to) be on your best behavior
Something you've learned by now is that everyone knows everyone's business. You probably learned the hard way to just tell your mom the truth... because she usually already knew about the upcoming party.
To put your family first
Small towns tend to be family-oriented. There are houses that have been passed down in the family, and there's no better feeling than being surrounded by the people you love in the home that you love. You cherish your family and never stop learning about them. Every time you meet an elderly couple and they find out your last name, their eyes light up as they tell you stories about your grandparents.
To live every moment to the fullest
You only get to live each moment once. (Unless you count reliving them when you’re in the paper for it the next day.) The community is one big family who will be there for you during your failures and celebrate with you during your successes.
To be there for others
You never know what someone is going through unless they're from your town that is. Nothing brings a community together quite like tragedies. It is amazing to see the amount of people who genuinely care about you. You will remember who was there for you, and you will return the favor.
To trust others (maybe a little too much)
“Wait, people actually lock their cars?”
To find comfort in familiarity
If you've decided to leave the small town of yours, you get giddy with excitement when you see somebody from your town. There is something about being home that brings you at ease. You stay in touch with your graduating class because you know you will always have your small town home in common.
Most importantly, you learned that no matter how far you go or how long you're gone, home will always welcome you back with open arms.
To my hometown, thank you. I think it took leaving to realize how big my heart is for you, I look forward to seeing you soon.
