Categories: EmotionalFamilyhomeTexasthe past

Texas, My Texas

As we prepare to leave the great state of Texas for who knows how long, I’m pondering what a BIG deal it really is to me. I’ve lived somewhere in Texas since I was a wee 16th month old. All the big things that have happened in my life have happened within in these borders. Well, except for the birth part. My parents had the audacity to live in California when I was born (although that’s a great state too…). But, I still consider myself a native Texan. Both of my parents are Texas bred and well, we just ARE Texans.

I’ve been all over the state, thanks in part to my parents’ love of travel. I’ve eaten at restaurants in El Paso and driven through Amarillo on the way to Colorado when The B Man was just a mere “peanut” in my belly. I’ve crossed over the border at Texarkana on a Spring Break trip with my college girlfriends and I’ve splashed in the gulf coast waters many times as a child and an adult. For those of you who don’t know your Texas geography, that pretty much covers the four corners.

I’ve been to every major city and spent A LOT of time at the Alamo, and along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Growing up in Austin, I’ve been to the capitol building many, many times and have enjoyed walking along the banks of Town Lake. I’ve been to Houston a couple of times and although I’m not that fond of it, I do accept it as part of this great state. I’ve driven the I-35 corridor from the D/FW area to Austin more times than I could ever attempt to count and have peed at the same gas station in Waco A LOT. I’ve visited the Stock Yards in Fort Worth and shopped at the Dallas Galleria Mall quite a bit.

I’ve spent hours and hours at each of the family farms that my grandparents owned in South Texas and I’ve ridden in the back of my uncle’s truck down a skinny two-lane country highway to go feed the cattle there. And then ridden back again, stopping at the one and only blinking red light in the small town, thankful for a break from the strong wind in my face.

I’ve eaten fresh sausage made in the butcher shop in Shiner, Texas (where my Mom is from) and watched my Dad wash it down with a Shiner Bock (some darn good beer). I’ve eaten at five-star steak restaurants and barbeque stands that are only open for lunch. Oh, and more Tex Mex than I can even fathom.

Here in Texas I went to the same schools in the same neighborhood all through my childhood, graduated high school and college, met the love of my life and married him and have birthed my two boys.

I’ve attended MANY a wedding with beer in the keg and polka music playing in the background. I’ve attended several funerals and mourned most deeply at those for my Czechoslovakian speaking grandparents. This is the place I’ve celebrated every birthday and holiday. I was driving down I-30 in Arlington, Texas when I heard the news about the World Trade Center towers coming down.

This is the place where I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. This is the place where the majority of my family resides. The place where I have “roots” that run so very deep. THIS is the place I call home.

I wasn’t sure I could EVER leave, but of course I will because that is what is best for my family at this time. And although we are officially leaving my home state, we’re just next door and I know we will be welcomed back any time. It is “The Friendly State” after all! In the meantime, I’ll miss you my Texas. But I promise I’ll see you soon. You can’t get rid of me that easy…

Elaine