Dear Port Huron,

I’m sorry that I said I hated you. I don't hate you, I just don't see myself staying here. It isn't because I haven't enjoying living here, It is because I have this craving to see the rest of the world. I want to travel and experience things I have never experienced before. I want to taste new foods, see new things, and meet new people. I want to grow as a person, and I can’t do that here. There is no more room for growth here.

I am sorry It has taken me until know to appreciate all of the good things about you, because I have always focused on the bad things about you. You have you're flaws, some aren't your fault, but I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else.

I remember the first days of fall. All of the huge trees in my front yard would begin to turn red and orange and the leaves would being falling off the branches. I remember helping my dad rake the lawn, only to jump in the piles of leaves and mess everything up. I remember walking home and stopping at the 20th street store for snacks. I remember long study breaks and pumpkin lattes at The Raven Cafe downtown after school. Then there was Halloween, when our neighborhood was littered with young kids in costumes and jack-o-lanterns. I still know where all the houses with the best candy are in my neighborhood.

I remember all the freezing winter days, and nights. Especially the nights, those were hell. It would take my dad hours to defrost my car in January. The first thing I learned when I got my license was how to drive through snow. So much snow, thank you lake effect. I will forever carry salt in my trunk, regardless of where I live. As much as I hated your never ending winter, I loved your white Christmas. I loved driving through your downtown and seeing all of the Christmas lights. I remember wishing Christmas time would never end.

I remember summers being so hot, I wouldn't want to leave my house, but I still did. Dipping my body into Lake Huron’s freezing water was the only thing that helped with the heat. I would spend hours at Pine Grove Park, walking along the St. Clair River and waving to our Canadian friends on the other side. That is one thing I’ll miss so much about you, because nothing will ever compare to being surrounded by fresh water.

I am nearing the end of my college days, Graduation is in less than six months. I have been using this time to reflect on all of the good times I have had the last 21 years of life, and you were a huge part of that. You gave me a place where I felt safe. No matter where I was at the moment, I knew I could always come home and it would be okay. That is the most important thing you gave me. I am excited for my future, and the new excited destinations it will take me, but I will always remember you, my heart, my roots, and most importantly, my home.

With love,

Rebecca