To the place that raised me,

I won’t pretend you’re a perfect town full of perfect people, because we all know you aren’t. But regardless of your flaws, you are the only home I have ever known, and you are the place that has played a part in building me.

You’ve let me live dreams, and taught me not to stop dreaming. Through opportunities you gave me, I got to do so many things I couldn’t have done elsewhere. I got to be someone I could be proud of in high-school, but I also got to see what happens when the dreams end there, and that’s all the pride people carry into adulthood. I know you might be a small-town, but that doesn’t mean you’ll ever limit my capabilities. It’s important for me to never stop dreaming. High-school should never be peak. I know I can go wherever I want to go and do whatever it is I want to do, and look back and be thankful for a home like you.

You’ve watched me grow, and taught me to never stop growing. In you, I found a church family like no other, teachers and coaches who have shaped me, and a community of people who stick together and stick with you. Because of the role-models and support you have brought me, I have grown, and will continue growing. I know everyday as I’m becoming more of who I need to be, I’ll look back and be thankful for a home like you.

You’ve let me explore, and taught me to never stop exploring. One of the hardest but bests things about living in a small-town is the lack of things to do. There’s always room for adventure seeking. From driving back-roads and walking through creeks, to making the football field the perfect place for outdoor dates and stargazing, I think we’ve made the most of our many days. I’d like to believe there isn’t a piece of you I haven’t seen, but in reality I know you’ve always got a new spot with a new adventure and memory waiting, and one day I look back on them all and be thankful for a home like you.

There have been times there is no where else in the world I wanted to be. There have been times I could not wait to leave. But at the end of the day I know no matter where I am and no matter where I go, you will always be home. I will always be thankful for a home like you.