Hometown Glory

     For many people, a hometown is just a place you grew up in. Nothing else. Nothing special. As for Batesville, Arkansas and I, we're practically bestfriends. I have lived in such a diverse yet independent town for 15 years now and that's how I grew up; diverse and independent. In such a place as this, you can only imagine the wonderful things that I grew up in. For example, Batesville has very mild weather. From steaming and boiling summers, to cold and frigid winters, new memories are made every year. I suppose that's where we get the term -Home is Where the Heart is-. My heart is forever in Batesville.

     Being in such a wonderful place for so long, I will never forget Main Street. From new and quaint, to old and historic, many of my best memories were founded on Main Street. I specifically remember when I was 5 years old, I was in the Christmas parade that they put on every year. I won Little Miss Independence County so I was destined to be in the parade. I will never forget the feeling of sitting on top of the car in my Christmas outfit with the freezing yet refreshing cold air hitting my face as we picked up speed to move down the street. Seeing so many familiar faces as I passed each section of people, I wasn't as nervous anymore. As I looked around I smelled and could almost taste the steaming cup of hot chocolate with whip cream on top being passed out to people. The aroma filled my nose and soon enough I was ready to get out of that car just so I could enjoy the cup of hot chocolate like everyone else. As we approached the end of the parade, I remember feeling that I didn't want it to be over. For soon enough, this memory would be over and a new one would have to begin. I suppose that's how it is suppose to be. You end a chapter in your life, and you start a different chapter. That's why If I ever start a new chapter and God takes me somewhere else besides Batesville, Arkansas and away from Main Street, I can always reflect on that chapter of my life and remember how blessed I am to have grown up in such a wonderful place.