Way Down South

"Swimmin' in the creek with all my friends, way down South
Prayin' them days would never end, way down South
Give me a worm and a fishin' pole, I'll pull a fish on out
Those memories will never get old, way down South"

I am proud of where I came from, where I grew up and where I want to live for all of my days. It is the back woods and open fields that I want to raise a family in some day. Tennessee is where I call home. I learned to crawl, walk, run, ride a bike, play in a back yard, climb trees, the list can just go on and on. Words such as aint and yall fit in almost every conversation where I come from. A love for God and family is never looked down upon. Sundays are filled with friendly hellos as you walk in to find your usual pew at church. The South that I love doesn't worry about the latest political correctness standards. We look out for our neighbors and give hearty waves as we drive down the road. Sweet tea and a warm country biscuit never get passed by. Family reunions usually have a game of horse shoes, watermelon or kids running to the fishing hole. Wearing shoes is of course optional. Everyone where I come from can say they have listened to the Grand Ol Opry a time or two. Everyone where I come from wouldn't be ashamed of that either. The measurement of success isn't in the money you make but in the love you have. See, where I come from people aren't afraid to be people and love what they do. I take pride in being from the South and loving my family for who they are. When I think of what I am thankful for most in life, I can't help but picture my upbringing. Doors open in life and it is foolish not to walk through them. God, family and my friends have helped me every time I have been down. I wouldn't change a thing for the world.