Camden. A city where
dreams rarely come true.
racism still exists.
popular girls wear big bows in kindergarten.
USC vs. Clemson debates can take up a whole class period.
Camden. A city where
people want to get out...but they never do.
I'm going to go ahead and make something very clear (very, very, very clear): I hate Camden; if anyone wants out of this town, it's me. It's not just me that wants out though, every single person wants out...but they never seem to leave. Well, this got me thinking....why don't they leave? Is it fear of the unknown, homesickness, or are people purely trying to keep up with the family tradition of staying here? However, I think it's deeper than all of that. Maybe it's because a person's hometown literally builds them. I've lived my entire life here. My memories are scattered through the streets of downtown, the sticky-floored movie theater, my best friends' houses, my church, my town.
Sure, I hate Camden now, but maybe, just maybe, in the future, I'll be thankful for it. For the memories it's holding, the friends it introduced me to, and the person it's made me become.
Goodness gracious, I completely empathize with you on that, Maggie. I spent many years just dreaming and anticipating the day I was able to finally leave. But there will come that time when you will be thankful for it and truly love it for everything it means to you. I know from personal experience what it's like to die to get out, then turn right back around and die to go right back. You really do learn to love it :)
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