Dear Coppell,
This is a love letter and this is an apology.
To the little suburb that watched me flourish and grow up from a giggling toddler to a just as giggly teenager, you have been the backdrop of countless memories from smiles to tears. Coppell, in the past nineteen years you have nurtured me, helping me blossom into the young woman I am, and I cannot thank you enough.
I have to admit, you have not always been so easy to love. There have been many times where you have almost made me rip my hair out. Your constant calm, with rows and rows of identical houses and indistinguishable shopfronts makes me wish for the hustle and bustle of city life. Your simplicity, lacking large attractions or buildings of grandeur almost bored me to tears. Your snail-pace traffic almost made me contemplate staying inside my house time and time again. Yet, when I pushed myself to truly learn you, I fell in love.
I learned of the culture of Old Town: the unique townhomes, the gorgeous courtyard, and the cute, varied cafes dotting the area. The countless mom-and-pop shops lining the streets, each with its own special energy quickly drew me in. Through these little shops I met countless lovely people, gaining knowledge of their experiences and craft. One little push and you opened me to a different world, exposing me to the beautiful, expansive, rich community that lies within your little boundary.
Town Square brought me to more new experiences, allowing me to see the happiness you bring. I saw children running around with their parents on lush green grass. I saw old couples hiking on well-tread trails enjoying the natural spectacle you provide. I saw the charm in every little thing that I overlooked in my all-consuming hatred of the small-town life you bring.
In relearning you, I found joy in remembering my past. The happiness of being at school or home or work swelled inside me again, each step across town bringing me to a different time and memory. Once I looked back, the constant routines I used to dread became speckled with small doses of joy and nostalgia that I took for granted. My history is interwoven in your fabric, a part of me I will always leave with you. Now I can confidently say that I will always love you.
Now that I have finally been able to say the goodbye that I wished for so many years, it is bittersweet. I miss the comfort and security you bring. I am sorry for spending a lifetime wishing I was somewhere else. I guess the cliches are true – I truly did not realize what I had until it was gone.
Even through all of your ups and downs, I will love you forever.
Until we meet again,
Roma ♡
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