Love Letter to Akron

Dear Akron,
Even as I write this, I can't believe I finally left you.  At times I didn't think I could.  I didn't know where I would go if I left.  I didn't know where the money to leave you would come from.  But mostly, I didn't know where the courage would come from to live a place I was comfortable.  Ten years I gave you and you gave me.  I didn't think I would ever like you and if I could ever call you home.  I didn't think we would have anything in common or ever find a common ground. 

Our beginning started at a time in my life where I thought nothing could touch me and that the world wouldn't leave too many scars on me.  But through you, I learned that I already had scars and if I didn't take the time to deal with them and the new Akron scars, I would never be the person I was meant to be.  I discovered so many things through you.  I tell anyone that I really learned about God and Christianity in Akron.  Do I always follow what I learned?  No, but at least I have a foundation to turn to whenever I need to be led the right way.  I really felt (and feel) God's presents in a way there that I had never experience.  I have a real relationship with Him and the last eight of those years I can thank Akron for that.

I also discovered so many marvelous about myself.  I discovered that I really could take care of myself.  I knew this prior, but Akron was really the stomping ground for this growth.  I am a well functioning adult and you contributed to this more than you know.  I also discovered that I have the ability to make friends and create a new family in any environment that I am placed in.  I am so grateful for my Akron family.  I hope I was able to say and express that in so many words to each of my family members before I left and even still when I'm in communication with them.  So many times in life I doubted that I could really be a good friend to others, but my time with you proved that I have a huge heart and it is fully equipped to love others and accept love from others that weren't blood family.

So Akron, I have left now and there were things I didn't discover there that I thought that I would.  First and foremost, I never found a pizza that took my breath away.  Please work in that in my absence.  I didn't discover and establish my own family there, meaning getting the husband and children package that I saw others get once they moved there.  You are such a family-orientated city and I loved that about you, but I only loved it because I thought I could get that from you and I never did.  I was bitter some of my years there for not getting that package and having the family of my dreams.  I am happy to say now that I have never been so grateful not to have those things.  It could be because of my career and academic goals and the fact that a family would get in the way.  It could be because I never saw eye to eye with any Akron guys.  But really, it is because I am leaving you a better and more complete woman than I was when I came.  I wanted imaginary things to define me for so long like a husband and some kids.  I know now that I don't need those things.  In fact, my dreams for myself have expanded so much that I do not know if that package is the end all and be all for my life.  Ultimately, it is whatever God wants for me and I am grateful He placed new dreams and desires in my heart and sent me on a new journey where I can become closer to the family members I already have. 

Well, Akron.  It is time for me to say goodbye.  Thank you so much for what you brought to my life.  I knew always that I would leave you and that being an Akron lifer was not for me.  I hope you will always remember me for my honesty, humor, and my heart.  Just be sure that the next Pittsburgh girl that enters your presence can be served a good slice of pizza.

Love ya,
Jennie