I remember being little and not having a chain grocery store in our town. There was a family-owned market where the outdoor store currently is. We got a small Safeway in 2001 across the street from the high school, and some other chains in the strip mall attached.
People always say, “There’s one way in and one way out.” I never correct them. There are back-roads you could take (I know them all), but yes, there is one main road in and out of the town.
The town over was barely bigger than mine, but I thought it was “the big city” because it had a Fred Meyer and a McDonald's. I went to high school in that town and still thought of it as the city because there was a running train station.
Growing up surrounded by farmland and trees builds you differently as a person, I think. Here is what I realized growing up in a small town.
1. The cashier will always know your name.
She’s known you since you were six and still marvels that you are in college and can buy alcohol. She also doesn't mind that your family dances in the produce section when Cher comes on.
2. You know which roads to take at what time.
When the schools are getting out, you want to go back behind Safeway and through the neighborhoods. After 4 p.m., you want to go up and around town the back way to avoid the long line of cars filled with people getting off work.
3. The barista knows your coffee order before you’ve even gotten to the window.
She also knows when you’re in a rush and has everything ready for you. You’ll learn to appreciate this senior year of high school, but you learn to love this a few years later when you come home for a weekend and she still remembers.
4. Driving in the big city is a big deal.
Seattle is our big city, and let me tell you something: I do not like to drive there. Also, you have to pay for parking literally everywhere. I can’t just park on the side of the street and leave, but that’s mainly because there is nowhere to park. Don’t you dare ask me to parallel park.
5. You get used to saying you’re from the town over.
I usually start with Puyallup, then work my way down.
6. Everybody knows everybody.
My mom is the queen of this. We can’t go anywhere without someone stopping us to ask how we’ve been and to tell us we look alike. The quick answers: Yes, I’m doing great. Yes, school is going well. Yes, my mom and I are twins. Yes, we hear it all the time.
7. You will be late for a lot of things.
It takes at least half an hour to get anywhere, and yes, I did get stuck behind a tractor this morning.
8. Your first 911 call will be because cows got out and are on the main road.
Is that just me? Okay, maybe scratch that one.
9. Best friends stay best friends.
They already know everything about you. They don’t even mind that you’re running late.
10. You will move away one day, but you still kind of miss the small town with the big view.
Because even when you hated it, you still kind of loved it.
