Loco for Local

Dear Frederick…

I have to be honest, when we met all those years ago…I never thought it would last. I wasn’t prepared. That was on me. As a New Yorker, I was used to moving at lightning speed and things being open past 10pm. I didn’t realize I was in for a bit of culture shock when I passed the Mason Dixon line on the move down here. It took a little time, but I got used to my friends calling me “big city,” and the cashier packing my groceries in the slowest, most nonsensical manner possible. I feel I have grown as a person and expanded my lung capacity with all the deep breaths I have taken over the years.

The more time we spent together, the more deeply in love I fell. You showed me a world I never thought existed. You opened your arms and accepted me for all my quirks and oddities. You showed me that I belong here, and there is an entire community that will support me in whatever I try to do…run a marathon…build a company…anything. Thank you for showing me how to build a life here and continuing to change and adapt in all the best ways. I’m sorry I ever doubted you.

Love, Stephanie