I spent a good chunk of my life in a city, not a huge city, but a European city where the population is concentrated together more than most American cities. I got really used to public transportation, beggars, and small little neighborhood shops.
I can confirm that I am definitely not a city girl.
I grew up in a suburb, a neighborhood built for people to sleep and eat in and then go to work 15 or 20 minutes away. It is a beautiful neighborhood, with tall trees and manicured lawns. I have so many good memories there and it warms my heart to see my kids playing in the same places I did.
But my heart isn't really in the suburbs.
I am a small town girl. I love going down the street and naming who I know (or knew) in each house. I love that my son took horseback lessons from the mayor and if my water pressure is low, my 3rd grade teachers wife is who I call.
In a world where we are glued to our cell phones, connect with others virtually, and have such struggles with loneliness, there is a deep joy in the web of love that cradles me in this small town.
Today we are celebrate this nation, and I also celebrate my hometown.
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