Hello, it's me...
I cannot count how many times I have said that I hate it there, or that I can't wait to get out the "stupid" small town I grew up in, but looking back, that stupid small town made me who I am. There wasn't something to do every single night, or a ton of food selection when I wanted to go out, but that's exactly what I needed. So thank you for having only three places to eat. It shaped me as a person.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally.
The saying 'everyone knows everyone' really applies in this situation. There was never a stranger in sight, everyone really does know everyone. A trip to the grocery store was basically a family reunion.There is so much love, there is someone who is always listening to the smallest of problems. Around ever corner was a friendly face that almost always guaranteed an hour long conversation.
Thank you for making me independent.
Ever since I can remember I have always said I wanted out of that town, and I remind myself every day why I will not be moving back, you've made me realize what I truly want. I want to be independent, being on my own for a year has been an incredible opportunity. I have experienced things that a small town couldn't offer, but growing up I have known I wanted out, but the only way to get out is to be independent and learn how to do things on my own.
In my small town, what we did for fun is completely different than what city kids would do. I have never been afraid to bait a hook, or get mud on me, it is actually one of the things I miss the most about back home. For fun, we didn't hang out at some huge mall, we sat around a fire and talked under the stars. I have met the best people growing up here and even though we are all going our separate ways, I will have life-long friends because of the small town bond we share. They are my people. I love my people.
Thank you for being small (travel wise).
I used to think that 15 minutes in the car was forever, but going somewhere in a big city at rush hour? Forget it. Thanks for always being a boring, easy town to pass through town.
Thank you for allowing me to have the education I had.
I knew my entire graduating class. And when I mean everyone, I mean everyone. We only had 87 students in our graduating class, and I can match first and last names to everyone in seconds. The class sizes were small, so there was more one-on-one with the teachers, which really helped growing up. The teachers will forever know who you are in a small town.
Thank you for allowing me to call you home.
A year ago I couldn't wait to get out of the small town I call home, but because of you I was raised with the morals I have. Without those, there's no way I would be where I am. I may hate going home to my boring town for the summer, but that boring, stupid town houses my family and friends. That town houses my childhood and has watched me grow into the person I am today. I love my hometown and I am so thankful that's where I grew up.
