This weekend I went home to help my best friend go wedding dress shopping in our small hometown Iowa. Now, when I say small hometown, I mean it. We went to school in a town of 1,000 people and had a graduating class of around 48. This town technically isn't even my hometown. The small town I grew up closest to has under 500 people, but that's not even small yet. The village that was closest to me, being only about five miles away, has a population of about 50 people. So when I say I grew up in small town Iowa, it's legit small town.
Being home always reminds me why I'm so spoiled to grow up in a small town. Now, before you freak out and get mad that I'm dissing small town life, it's not what you think it is. I promise.
Here's some reasons why I believe small town Iowa kids are spoiled:
1. You know whomever you pass on the road will wave. It doesn't even have to be on the road. While walking down the street in your small town, people will greet you with a smile and a wave. They will know who you are, who your parents are, and who your grandparents are.
2. Your neighbors and your neighbors' neighbors will help you in a time of need. If you have a house fire, a death in the family, a tragic accident or any of the above, your neighbors will be there. The neighbors will be the first to bring you a hot meal or a pan of bars. They will be there to listen, console or laugh with you through your experience.
3. You will know what a true sense of community feels like. What it feels like to have the entire town come support the football team in the championship round. How it feels like to have the small town Iowa celebration and know almost every single person in attendance of the pork chop supper or the crowing of the town princess.
4. You will know the ease of selling cookie dough for volleyball, or FFA fruit to the neighbors. The only hard work required is walking to the doorstep and having small town chat with the neighbor in order to get them to support your cause.
5. You know that no matter where your life's journey will take you, your small town will always be welcoming you back with open arms, waves and smiles. Whether you go off to college, the Service, get married and move across the state, move away for a job, a love interest, or simply just want a different experience, your small town Iowa will always be home.
We are some of the most spoiled people in the world, yet we would never think about it until we move away and see and experience "city life."
After living in a busy college town for the past few years you come to appreciate your small town Iowa. You miss the waves, the sense of community and togetherness, and the feeling of home.
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