Dear Family,

In May of 2015, I packed up my car and kissed you good bye. You watched as the dog and I left our New England home to explore the Golden Coast. You were nervous as I picked up a stranger along the way, but you were kind as he slowly became a piece of my heart. You were patient as my California dream fell apart, and I found myself in a less than ideal place. You were proud when I changed my course and took my journey from San Diego to Atlanta. You listened with joy as I found my place here in the Peach State. Well, it has been a year and half since the day I left, and there are a few things I need you to know…

It was scary for me too. Moving over a thousand miles from you was more frightening than the time I went to Mexico by myself. It felt like I was heading into the unknown because this time I didn’t have a scheduled return. I wasn’t sure what I would do if anything went wrong, and I was more than a short drive from you. Half way through my drive I was questioning whether or not I made the right choice, but I was too stubborn to turn back. I’m glad I didn’t.

I found the freedom I always desired. I have heard you for many years tell strangers and friends that I am your social butterfly, but living back home I felt like I was still trapped in my cocoon. Every time I traveled I caught a glimpse of what it felt like to be free, but now having moved away I feel that freedom every day. It's fair to say your little butterfly finally has her wings.

I love who I’ve become and I hope you’re proud of me too. In the past year and a half I have evolved into a new me. I have gone from a small town girl to a big city woman. I have learned how to be independent and in control of my own circumstances. I have learned how every decision I make leads me down a different path, and I am consciously creating the one I desire. I have an image of where I want to be and who I want be. I am working every day to build my paradise, and I believe you would be proud of all I have accomplished.

You will always be my home and I hope the world knows it. If I could go back and change where I grew up or how I grew up, I wouldn’t. I was raised in a small town that surprisingly prepared me for the real world. You brought me up in a community so close to all of our family, and I quickly learned the value of family and friendship. Home is where my family is, and that will never change.

I met the love of my life. I met the love of my life, but you knew it before I did. I found a happiness within him that I have never felt in the company of anyone else. He has not only shown me how to love, but also how to accept love from someone outside of my family. With him I have discovered many things, for one, fairy tales do come true. I found a place in his heart that is my home away from home.

I miss you every damn day. I miss you all the time. I’ve met an abundance of people along the way, but each and every one of you has a special space in my heart that will never be replaced. I have days where I can feel the strength of being homesick, but I know you’re only a phone call away.

I found my purpose. I finally discovered what I was put on this earth for. I found my passions, my motivations, and my soul purpose. I have tasted happiness at its purest elements, and I will never let that go.

Thank you. Thank you for turning me into the person I am today. Thank you for raising me to believe in my dreams. Thank you for teaching me how to work hard. Thank you for supporting me as I hopped from school to school and job to job.Thank you for keeping our household full of love for so many years. Thank you for letting have this journey. Thank you for simply being you.

Love,

The daughter living 1,000 miles away