- I never wanted to move.
- There was no support system or family there.
- I was pretty much alone from the minute I set foot there.
- My marriage died there.
- I struggled as a single mom there.
- It was ridiculous being the ex-wife of a person everyone thought was "such a nice guy".
The list is long. And let's be honest, Hutch is not a booming metropolis. I constantly complained about nothing to do, no cultural experiences, blah, blah, blah and with the news that they won't even have a Target next year...I must be off my nut! However, now I find myself living in another city, completely happy in the spot where God planted me, yet missing something I never thought I would and reflecting on what that place really was. I've come to realize that Hutch wasn't a bad place to be at all. In fact, Hutch was where:
- I watched Brig start school, never looking back at me, but holding her Bubby's hand tightly.
- I saw Conor shoot hoops on the driveway for hours and then in gyms for more than I can count.
- I watch my babies grow into teenagers, learn to drive, fall in and out of like, love, etc.
- I met some terrific friends and co-workers.
- I met students who changed my life and who taught me instead of the other way around.
- I learned some important lessons from some excellent bosses.
- I learned some important lessons from some terrible bosses.
- I got my masters degree.
- I made our home into my perfect sanctuary (with the help of friends and family).
- I discovered Roys, Crosspoint Church, and that the best iced tea at the State Fair came from the Bracket's stand at the Sugar Shack.
- I grew up.
So as I look at that second list, it's obvious that Hutch was much more than a location on a map where I "did some time". It was an important part of my life. It still continues to be as Conor and Rhyanna are firmly planted there and are thriving so I get to go back and spend some time now and then. It's not the same, but it'll have to do - and I can still get my Roy's fix when I need it! That 20/20 hindsight is a tricky tricky thing, huh? I guess the lesson learned is to stay focused on the positive and bloom where I'm planted instead of looking to the future and making plans someday, right?
