My Hometown: Take the time to read

I was born in New Milford, Connecticut but White House, Tennessee is my hometown.

I lived the first four years of my life in Ducanville, Texas but I grew up in White House, Tennessee - my hometown.

I experienced my first snowfall on the drive home from the hospital in New Milford, Connecticut but I used the tops of trash cans to sled down my driveway with my sister in White House, Tennessee – my hometown.

I played with my first doll house on my 2^nd birthday in Duncanville Texas, but I played my first softball game in White House, Tennessee – my hometown.

My first night’s sleep was in New Milford, Connecticut. My first day of school was in Duncanville, Texas. 

But, my hometown is and always will be White House, Tennessee.

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Several years ago I used to think that there was an “over the rainbow” out of small town USA but I was granted a new appreciation as I got a bit older.

There’s that small-town stereotype that has White House in a choke-hold. Not to mention that we’re in the south, which only reinforces that stereotype.

Honestly, I am not an avid user of Facebook, but its hard not to log in and get a bit frustrated. I’m frustrated because people who should be at the heart of White House’s potential are adding to the preconceived notions with their pessimistic and disapproving remarks.

I’ve been very blessed with parents that value culture. Throughout my still short life I’ve been privileged enough to see a lot of places across the country and overseas. And throughout those experiences, I’ve learned that the cliché, “There’s no place like home” is my reality because in this world it doesn’t get much better than a reliable place to live.

Unfortunately, I’ve been seeing many from the White House community complaining about the city. I wonder if they know how lucky they are.

There are so many people around the world, country, state… that would love and appreciate the opportunity to live here. There are so many people who aren’t fortunate enough to see friendly faces everyday or have a safe place to sleep at night.

 And if you’re complaining about the people here… 

News Flash: There are ignorant people and immature people everywhere. That’s life. Change the small-town stereotype by educating yourself before you add to the overall perception by venting rude, petty frustrations on the Internet.

Seriously, think about the message you’re sending out every time you make those comments because they can’t be taken back. If you’re giving out negative energy, I wouldn’t expect something better in return.

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I challenge you during this year to value your home, wherever that may be.

It just so happens I’m from a place that values something as simple as high school football and homecoming parades. And I appreciate the fact that something as simple as high school football can bring an entire community together. 

I appreciate driving home at night when there is no one on the roads and realizing that the whole town is at home already. Safe. That doesn’t mean that tragedies don't happen here and won’t happen again. But look at the statistics, we’re safe.

That’s not “small-town.” It just means we’re around people who enjoy the little things in life. And those little things we take for granted everyday, are what so many people would love to experience. 

There are far more pressing matters to discuss and be disgusted about in this world than the fact that you run into someone you know every time you go to Wal-Mart. Or the fact that we have a Wal-Mart is still a pretty big deal.

Enjoy the little things and appreciate your privileges, remember not everybody gets them.