Small town, big hearts

So, I live in this quaint little town that I dearly love. There was a time when I didn't love it so much. In fact, I hated it. You see, I grew up in a bigger city where everyone kept to themselves and your life was private. In a small town, there is no such thing as private! I resented the fact that everyone knew me and knew everything about my life. I had just moved here as a newlywed and I hated going anywhere because inevitably I would get stopped by someone (stranger to me) and given the 20 questions quiz. Because J was a homegrown boy, everyone knew him and therefore, they knew me.

It took some time for me to get used to the idea that most people here were genuinely concerned and interested in us. I'm sure there were some that were just plain nosey, but for the most part, this little town was more like one big family. I finally came to the point that I enjoyed seeing my "friends" out and about and I no longer ducked for cover whenever I saw a familiar face. My heart is cemented here now and it would take a major disaster to get me to leave!

I've been reminded again of the small town/big family we have here. We received incredibly sad news on Saturday that a beautiful young wife was tragically killed in a car accident the night before. She was someone who had gone to school with Cecy, married a guy who was friends with Jayson and we have a close relationship to both her family and his. The heartbreaking part is that this young couple had only been married a little more than a year and were expecting their first child. As the news was spread, our little town grieved right along with the families. So many people have been touched by this couple and the loss is devastating. The outpouring of love and support has been amazing.

I love my little town. I love that I can walk down the street and pass by people I know. I love knowing that if there was a need in my family, people would come to our aid. I love that this little village is helping me to raise my kids. There is a sense of safety and security in living here that I never had in my "bigger city" years. I'm lucky to be here!