Thank God for Hometowns

Thank God for hometowns

And all the love that makes 'em go around

Thank God for the county lines that welcome you back in

When you were dying to get out

Thank God for Church pews

And all the faces that won’t forget you

Cause when you’re lost out in this crazy world

You got somewhere to go and get found

Thank God for hometowns

Carrie Underwood

Thank God For Hometowns

Man Carrie Underwood knows how to reach right through the radio and grab me by the heart.  I think at some point everyone says the words "I can't wait to leave here." I think everyone says it, but I think very few mean it.  And even fewer actually follow through with it.

I "went away" to college.  By going away, I mean an hour away to a small college.  By going away I mean I came home every Friday promptly after class and cried every Sunday when we had to leave.  We being Jacob and I.  He loved it.  I hated it.  I wasn't meant to be away from my mama.  Or my sisters.  Or my freshly born niece.  So after 1 year we moved home.  I vowed to my mom and dad I would finish school.  In a way I did.  After a year at community college I wanted more.  I went to technical school and became a dental assistant.  Is not finishing school something I regret?  Every single day.  I think I am automatically "looked down" upon because I don't have a diploma hanging on my wall.  I want to go back.  But right now, it's not feasible.  I work 40 hours a week and I have 1.75 children.  I digress, this post isn't about college.

In 2005 Jacob and I moved into our very first apartment together.  Approximately an hour away from our parents.  We loved it!  It was our first home.  We had real jobs.  Life was great.  But, did I miss my family?  Yes!  Tremendously!  Once again, I was in a situation where I felt I didn't see them near enough.  So, my Uncle offered us a rent house, and we moved home.  And that's where we remain.  Just this January we purchased our first home.  Right here in the town where we grew up.  The town where I want my babies to grow up...and never leave home.  Our families are literally down the street (with the exception of my sister Lisa who has moved to the big city of Tulsa.  I will con her into coming HOME one day too.)

So when I heard Carrie's (we're on a first name basis, right?!) song from her new album I was drawn to it.  I know she was inspired by her own small Oklahoma hometown, but for me...it's like I could have written the lyrics myself.  That's if I was even slightly talented in the song writing category.  I mean, I could walk into the church where I grew up, where my Grandma still goes, and I'm sure they would recognize me even though I look nothing like I looked then.  I could walk into the church where Jacob and I were married and they would welcome us with open arms even though it's been far too long since we've been there.  

I hope and pray everyone has a place like this they can go to!