Southern Yankee

Living in Iowa does have its perks, but it will never be home. It was years ago, my first trip back home after moving from Northwest Florida. Our car was packed with all the essentials including our two daughters and our oldest son. We slipped silently out of town with darkness all around and no cars as far as the eye could see.

The drive was long and exhausting. Kids bickering and fighting the whole way. Then I saw the interstate sign saying next right to Brewton Alabama and I knew I was almost home. John Denver's Country Roads was playing on the car radio and tears welled up in my eyes. Yes, I know I should have felt excited and happy, and to a point I did but I also knew this was just a visit and it would end too soon.

We arrived with hugs and kisses from family and my heart was full. My then-husband and I were both raised in this small town and decided to take a drive to see our old haunts. A walk down memory lane. Seeing old friends I hadn't seen in years was heartbreaking and wonderful. Seeing kids playing in the yard of the house I once played in as a child brought a smile and tears.

In those moments, it is never more true that, you can never go back home. So the southern girl who became a Yankee packed her family in the car and headed back north. Iowa has it's perks but it will never be home.