Growing up in Southwest Louisiana, Opal and I were immersed in a culture of not only amazing food and music but also an abundance of festivals. Attending local fairs, festivals, and parades was just a way of life. It’s among the most special memories I have as a kid and something that I have carried with me my entire life, sort of like it was just a part of the fiber of my being.
Our careers in public education took us to some great places, and we were able to meet some of the most amazing people along the way. But there were some things written on our hearts—things we imagined in a place we’d call home—that we longed to find. Things like having the financial and time freedom to travel often, owning “a historic home on a street with a sidewalk,” and calling a place home that was reminiscent of our childhoods—a place whose local culture is the heartbeat of the community. Two years ago, when we got crystal clear on our values, rediscovered our dreams that had been tucked away for a couple decades, and imagined a place we’d love to call our forever home, the list was endless. But, for me, having the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a tight-knit community where festivals, parades, and celebrations were a way of life was key on my list.
I could go on and on about the place we call home today and plan to call home for the rest of our lives. But today, one thing stands out to me. Today, I’m especially grateful that our family is surrounded by a community whose culture embraces small town charm. I’m appreciative that we live between two historic downtowns that offer endless opportunities to engage in traditions—new and old—that allow us to be part of that community heartbeat and make memories together that will last a lifetime. Today, I’m thankful our kids get to experience a taste of what it’s like to grow up in a small town atmosphere that cultivates that excitement, belonging, and pride I remember from when I was a kid.
Today, just hours after rolling in during the middle of the night from a family vacation to Colorado, we woke up in time to attend the 34th Annual Easter Hat Parade in historic downtown Dillsboro. Lucia and Max quickly threw together their best effort for a creative Easter hat before we walked out the door. We attended this parade last year, and they didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in the parade again this year. So, today, we did just that. We went to the little downtown just a few minutes from our house, registered the two of them, and walked alongside them in the parade. Complete with antique cars, the Easter Bunny, balloons, sno-cones, and the biggest, craziest, most creative Easter hats you’ve ever seen, together, we experienced the unique joy that only small town life can offer.
The truth is, vacations and spending quality time together as a family are important. But coming home to a place that you’re excited to live and living a life that you don’t feel you need a vacation from is a dream come true!
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