Hilmar

Hilmar.


Its a small town in the USA you've probably never even heard of.


When I hear that word I feel safety, welcome, comfort and home.


I feel sorry for you who don't know what it is like to live in a place like Hilmar.


So many people say they want to get the hell away and move out and on with their lives and never come back. I could never imagine saying that. I made a move to college, and it is a move that I think placed me exactly where I need to be in this moment. But to say I don't want to go back, to say that there is any other place I could consider  home? No way.


People look at me like I'm crazy if they aren't from Hilmar they think I'm just a sheltered little girl who made her world revolve around some small town. They don't know what is like, they are ready to pick up and move anywhere and never go back, and not even blink. I moved four hours away and the 240 minutes kill me to think about. I can't just drive home when I miss it. And I do I miss Hilmar. I especially right now am currently missing the first game of the Yellowjackets season. I've never missed a season opener. And you can't say that I should just "get out of high school" because its more than that...My dad is the head coach of the Varsity team and I am so proud of him, and the program that he has built. I find it thrilling to sit and watch a bunch of teenage boys play their hearts out, even though most of them will only play high school ball. I think watching a game under the lights is magical and hearing Russ Dutra say "and that's another yellowjacket TOUCHDOWN" feels so good. I love panning the crowd and seeing a sea of green and gold. I love hearing all ages cheering on a team who they are so proud of, even most of the adults there have already had their children graduate. Hilmar is a community. Hilmar is a family.


I am proud to say Hilmar is where I grew up and I would feel so blessed to raise my children in a place where they can feel like I did.


It is a place where not everyone is perfect, and people probably know more about each other's personal lives more than they should...but at the end of the day we've all got each other's backs. We support each other and pray for one another and isn't that what it is all about?


Going to the grocery store for a few items and staying inside the store for half an hour because you were talking to someone you knew, or anywhere for that matter, going to a place where someone knows you, or at least your dad, brother, sister or uncle lol


Its a community that supports eachother.

Hilmar is my home. Hilmar is where I grew up. Hilmar can't be found on most maps, but its in my heart.


Say what you want about small towns, and even my town. But you won't be able to change my mind. Hilmar is my home. And it is where my heart is.