As I moved into my new home for the next nine months this past week, it seemed like everything about leaving my home town hit me in a rush. Suddenly I found nostalgia creeping around every corner, and I felt the need to soak in every single detail about the place I had been living my entire life. I wanted to memorize each detail with such vigor that I would never forget where I came from, even if I lost everything about myself that made me the girl who grew up in Topeka. I discovered corner pieces of my hometown that I never realized were missing from my puzzled memories. For the first time in my life, I wanted to be there; I didn't want to leave, but I knew that leaving my home did not require leaving my memories there. I would always be able to remember the beautiful moments that made me love the place where I grew up.

I will always remember the conversations that my best friend and I had while walking down her road in the middle of the night, flashlights gripped tightly in one hand and pure joy in the other. If we had it our way, those nights never have ended. So many nights were dragged out with giggles and secrets, but we had no worries in those moments; the night illuminated by our happiness and the silver blanket of moonlight. I am sure that I will hold those memories dear forever.

I will always remember the summer days that were so hot that ice would melt the second it met the humid, outside air. Nonetheless, my little brother and I would make the trek to the local shaved ice shop, ordering our favorite flavors and soaking them up like the sun beams beating down on us. We shared stories that our parents will never know the truth of (hopefully) and learned from one another's mistakes. We held on to each other's mistakes for validation of our own imperfections, and reminded the other that it was okay to be a lesser version of yourself in some minutes. I am sure that I will hold those memories dear forever.

I will always remember the mornings that I would look outside my window, breathless from the beauty of the sunrise. The colors were so vibrant and defined that I had to stop and take it in, like it might have been a crime to ignore such exquisite artistry. I could have sat there forever if the sun wouldn't have moved. I am sure that I will hold those memories dear forever.

Although I will miss my Topeka indefinitely, I know that I will always have pieces of it with me. I know that I will guard those memories with my life, but I also know that I may have to push some of them aside momentarily to make room for new memories. I am eternally grateful for the memories and people that fill my hometown, but have faith in my new home bringing even more moments that will stay with me forever.