Hello. I hope you’re all doing well. This post has nothing to do with jewelry or any other accessory, just some recent thoughts about my home.
I’ve spent the last couple of days with a dear friend with whom I grew up. I lived in Marion and she lived in Greensboro, a small town about 20 minutes away. I have known her for 30 years. Yes, 30 years! Where does the time go? My dad has always said that as you get older, time goes by faster. That is so true.
When I was 11, my mom and I moved to Marion, a very small town in the Black Belt region of Alabama. I did not want to move. I was upset and difficult for my mom to handle. As an adult, I am sure of this. It was rough at first, but before long, I began to make friends and get comfortable in this new little town.
I have met some of the best people in Marion, Greensboro, and Selma. I went to high school with kids from all over the world. Many of my closest friends are ones that I grew up with, my family. They are my family in every way, all but blood. Many of these friends have moved and some have stayed. I love going home to see the ones who have stayed and I love when those who have moved away come home. I love hanging out with them, wherever we happen to be. No matter where we are, it’s as though we are young again.
I have spent so much time over the years thinking about this move. At one time, it was something that I absolutely dreaded. But it quickly became one of the best things that happened to me. I realize this even more with age. Some of my best memories come from times spent in these small towns. Some not great memories, too. But that is life and a stepping stone into adulthood. So even the tough times are good as they have taught me a lot and, hopefully, made me a better person.
I don’t go back as often as I should, but every time I do, I’m reminded of how very lucky I am to have grown up here, to be a part of these small towns and amazing people. It’s as though no time has passed when we see each other. It could have been 1 month or 10 years, but in my mind it has only been a minute.
So, thank you, mom, for making that decision back in 1986. Thank you for making me go. And thank you old-school friends for reminding me of how lucky I am.
Home really is where the heart is.
