Growing up, I always wanted out of you. I didn’t want to live within the small scale perimeter with the limited amount of restaurants and lack of entertainment. I wanted to be free from the clasps of boredom and going to Walmart for fun. That movie theater and that “mall” were jokes, and I couldn’t go anywhere without seeing someone I knew. You never had anything new to offer. I wish I hadn’t focused on these thoughts and had given you more credit for what you were doing in me. Now that I’m an adult, I have one thing to say to you: thank you.

Thank you for raising me right. You implemented values in me that I will carry with me wherever I may go. You taught me to respect my elders, to love people of all races and ethnicities, and to treat the janitor the same way I would treat the CEO. You taught me to smile at strangers. When standing in line at Walmart, if someone had just a couple of items and were standing behind me, I learned to let them go in front of me. You taught me to hold the door for anyone, male or female. And you taught me to chase my dreams.

Thank you the familiarity. The truth is that when I went into town, I would always see someone I knew and could strike up a conversation with them. That was enjoyable and still is. The limited amount of restaurants and entertainment ensured that I would run into an old teacher or someone from my church. I was never afraid of being lonely because you gave me a village of people that all helped raise me, take time to see how I am, and ask me to tell my grandfather “hello”.

Thank you for my accent. You knew that my voice should sound sweet and southern. You taught me to say “Y’all”, “Over yonder”, and “Biggin’”. (“Big one”). When I go up north and they ask me if wear shoes where I come from, I know you’ve done your job when it comes to my accent.

Thank you for my roots. I will never forget where I come from because you embedded a piece of yourself in me. I know how to act like a lady and work like a man. I know that rain is good because it helps the farmers grow crops. I know that when Sunday morning comes around, I need to be at church. Most importantly, I know I’ll have a forever home in you because of everything you’ve given me.

I’ve got my whole life ahead of me, but I could never forget you or the lessons you taught me. I may not return to plant my future family in your small perimeters, but rest assured that the values you gave me will be instilled in my children. I took you for granted for too many years, and now that I’m looking back on what I have because of you, I want to say thank you.