Growing up in a small town is sometimes a curse, but it can also be a blessing. Growing older I have realized just how lucky I was to grow up in such a small area. Salyersville, Kentucky is the actual definition of small town, USA. We have two red lights, four dollar stores and about 100 churches. Okay, maybe the last one was a little far-fetched, but you get the idea. Also, the closest Wal-Mart was 15 minutes away. I really hated growing up in a small town and always talked about leaving. I finally moved around five months ago, yet I find that I miss it like crazy. It's not the actual town that I miss; I miss knowing everyone. I miss having my mamaw and aunt as my next door neighbors. I miss knowing that regardless of the time of day when I walk into the local grocery store that I'm bound to see at least four people that I know. For fun we would hang out in the local IGA parking lot or for me and my friends, the Dairy Queen parking lot. My graduating class consisted of 130 students at most, and we all grew up together. No, literally we only had one middle school and one high school. Another thing I miss is knowing that someone always had my back, regardless of the situation. When disaster struck we all would come together and help each other out. I miss making fun of the town, but getting mad when someone else from another county poked fun. I miss being related to over half the county. I miss being connected to everyone in even the smallest of ways. I miss gossiping with everyone about all the latest small town drama. Even though I definitely wouldn't want to move back, it'll always be home to me. No matter what, Salyersville will have a major part of my heart; it's where I said my first words and took my first steps. It's where I kissed my first boy and had my first heartbreak. So I want to say a 'thank you' to Salyersville, because without it, I wouldn't be the person that I am today.