For most of my middle school/high school life, I did not like living in Ellijay. The closer I got to college, the more I disliked it, and the more anxious I was to leave it. I was so excited to finally get out and be someplace else, but the more I am away from Ellijay, the more I realize how much I actually love it.
When I was little, Ellijay was very, very tiny. Before all the stores popped up along 515, the first glimpses of Ellijay you could see were the Ingles grocery store sign and the KFC bucket. It was the best feeling in the world when, after a long journey away, those two signs came into view. I knew I was home.
Now, when I travel down 52, I get the same feelings of elation when the "Keep Gilmer Beautiful" and apple houses slowly appear along the roadside. All the stress from school melts away, and I know that I am home where I can forget to be responsible, lay on the couch, hang out around town, and have my mom fix dinner for me.
Sometimes, I miss my hometown. Probably because there I get to shirk all my responsibilities for however long I stay there, my parents are there to take care of me, and my pets are there to entertain me. Truth be told, the more I travel and spend time away from Ellijay, the more appreciative I am of the experiences of my life there. I love Ellijay and am so glad I can call it my hometown no matter how small and boring it may seem to the outside observer. It will always feel like home to me.
When I was little, Ellijay was very, very tiny. Before all the stores popped up along 515, the first glimpses of Ellijay you could see were the Ingles grocery store sign and the KFC bucket. It was the best feeling in the world when, after a long journey away, those two signs came into view. I knew I was home.
Now, when I travel down 52, I get the same feelings of elation when the "Keep Gilmer Beautiful" and apple houses slowly appear along the roadside. All the stress from school melts away, and I know that I am home where I can forget to be responsible, lay on the couch, hang out around town, and have my mom fix dinner for me.
Sometimes, I miss my hometown. Probably because there I get to shirk all my responsibilities for however long I stay there, my parents are there to take care of me, and my pets are there to entertain me. Truth be told, the more I travel and spend time away from Ellijay, the more appreciative I am of the experiences of my life there. I love Ellijay and am so glad I can call it my hometown no matter how small and boring it may seem to the outside observer. It will always feel like home to me.
Do you think this will happen to Justin also? It would be nice if he will one day appreciate this wonderful place where he grew up!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about the Ingles sign the other day when I was driving by on the four lane. I am kind of upset that the antique store painted over it, but I guess its nice that they have kept it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would have to say this is my favorite... and I feel the same.. of course I don't know why I wouldn't.