To the city that built me:

I'm gathering up my things and heading away, embarking on a new journey, letting a new place take me under their wing. I'll have more places to explore, more people to meet, and more adventures to partake in. Even though my new home holds endless opportunity, it's you who I'll always call home.

Dear hometown, thank you for the memories. I grew up under your sunny skies and your grey clouds. I rolled around in your green grass and got stung by your yellow honeybees. I made snow angels on the coldest days, and I dove into your bodies of water on the hot, summer days. In times of sorrow, you comforted me with your familiarity and welcoming nature. In times of happiness you celebrated with me, sending optimism and new, exciting opportunities. You were with me when I fell in love... and you were with me when I got my heart broken. Together we went through shattered friendships and lost relationships, elementary school,and high school. We were together through new family members: weddings, the births of beautiful babies, and friends who became family. You stood with me through the death of pets, family, and friends. You were even there when nobody else was.

You were my security blanket. When I embarked on road trips and vacations, I swear I saw you wink at me just as I was leaving your city limits, letting me know that you'll protect everything while I'm gone. When I returned home, you were my sigh of relief as I breathed in your familiar air and passed all of the buildings I grew up in. We celebrated holidays together; you gave me my white Christmas, my sunny 4th of July, and even my picturesque fall day for Thanksgiving.

Your locals are my neighbors. The people who came outside and helped me when I fell off my bike as a little girl. The people who all came into the streets after a fierce tornado, just to make sure everyone was okay. The people who stayed up late with my family and I, sitting by a bonfire and enjoying your presence. The people who bought stuff every time I was selling it, came to all of my birthday parties, graduation parties, and any other special event. The people who sent us Christmas cards and gifts, and always greeted us with a smile when we crossed paths.

To my hometown, thank you for raising me. Thank you for being my crutch, my backbone, and most importantly, my friend. Now with the lessons you taught me, I plan to go out and conquer the world, but I'll never forget who my home is: y o u.