My Hometown

It's strange to go back to my hometown. It was so small that growing up, I knew almost everyone. It's grown substantially in the 12 years since I left, so there are lots of people I don't know. When I go to church there, half the people helped raise me, and the other half have no idea who I am, so the leaders don't know whether to introduce me as a visitor or not. When they do introduce me, it's usually by my maiden name or as the daughter of -- which makes it easier for people to know who I am, and not another recent move-in.

The biggest place in town is the local grocery store. There are always people to see and talk to. I'm not used to shopping with people that I know. It is strange to see people that I recognize, but can't remember who they are. I recognize siblings of acquaintances, but the last time I saw them they were 12 years old, now they are married and have children. In my mind, they should still be a little kid. It is all very strange.

I have to laugh when I see someone that I haven't seen years and the first question they ask me is, "How many kids do you have now?" It's not, "How are you? Where are you living? What have you done since leaving?" It's all about the number of kids. I'm sure they are just curious. Then, I don't know what to say to the look of horror they have on their face when I tell them I have 5 kids. Maybe it's because they remember me when I was young and think that I should still be a little kid. Somedays I do feel like I'm just a little girl playing with dolls.

The other question I get a lot of is "When are you moving back?" I guess they figure I have just been on an extended vacation to Texas for 10 years. I'm not sure how to say, "I love this place, but I'll probably never be able to move back permanently." It just doesn't really fit into Aaron's job description.

I guess that is just part of coming from a small town. It is a beautiful place to visit and the people are beautiful as well. I have loved growing up in my small town. I wouldn't change my childhood for anything. It helped shape me into who I am. It is always therapeutic going home and touching my roots.