When I was born my family lived in Brooklyn. It was a cute house, a cute neighborhood and my parents had friends everywhere. Yet, that didn’t last very long. My parents got divorced and my mom moved us out to the beautiful little barrier island of Long Beach, which has been my home for the past 15 1/2 years. I grew up there in that beautiful house with an amazing family, wonderful friends and the best neighbors I could have asked for. But now, it is time to move on to the next chapter, the next place to call home. So in honor of our move, I wanted to write a “Thank You” letter to my hometown.
Dear Hometown,
There are a million things I can thank you for, but no one wants to read that list. But there are certain things that nowhere other than your hometown can teach you and provide for you. So thank you, for providing me with the best neighbors. I loved that the street I lived on was just an extension of my family. I got the sister I never had when I moved to Long Beach, and she lived right across the street. I wound up with so many people who were like aunts and uncles, friends to hang out with and places to wait when I lost my key and got locked out of my house, which we all know I did frequently. As annoying as it can be to have everyone in your business, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I will always be grateful that I had to leave my house 20 minutes early for work even though I lived down the block because I had to stop and talk to all my neighbors.
Hometown, thank you for watching me grow up. I will always have the memories of every game of Manhunt, Capture the Flag, and Ghosts in the Graveyard. I have every scar from falling on the street when I was learning to ride my bike or racing with my friends. You saw me as a child and influenced my development as I became an awkward preteen. Thank you for being there for me through my middle school years, when I had braces and that weird haircut. I appreciate you being there for me even through my phase of heavy eyeliner and sweatshirts that swallowed me.
Thank you for giving me an amazing education and introducing me to the most amazing teachers. I never imagined how much of an impact those individuals could have on my life. Thanks for the awesome job down the block from my house where I knew every customer by name (in the winter), because hey, they were basically family.
The best and worst memories I have all happened in my hometown. The scariest moments of my life and the happiest ones were all set there. I made the best friends in the entire world, the girls who have been with me through it all. I fell in love with a boy who I have known for years. My family grew and changed there, pets and people. I grew from a child to a young adult there. I went from my mother’s baby girl to her best friend there. The best moments of my life took place in my hometown. Going away to college was scary, but I always knew I could come home. Now, halfway through my junior year, I’m going to have to start calling somewhere else home. That’s okay though, because no matter how many places I live, and no matter what chapter of my life I am in, my hometown will always have my heart.
Because, no matter where you go… there is no place like home.
Yours always,
The Girl Who is Moving Away
