Penny Lane

This past weekend, I brought Colin (the boyfriend) home with me for Easter.  It was a big step for us.  He was able to spend a lot of time with my family, meet my friends, and play with my dog, and I was able to show him the place where I spent the majority of my childhood, a place that in many ways is like “Penny Lane” from the 1967 Beatles song of the same name.

I come from a small, rural, economically-disadvantaged town, and unlike many of my neighbors, I never had much “hometown pride” growing up.  I was ashamed of the unemployment rates, frustrated with the lack of opportunities available to me in my high school, and bored by the complete void of entertainment in my town.  Mostly, I felt trapped, suffocated in such a small area.  I remember counting down the days until my move to State College, a big city in comparison.  I couldn’t wait to leave.

I was nervous to bring Colin to this place, especially after visiting the beautiful, blossoming suburb he grew up in over spring break.  However, he was clearly excited and talked about our upcoming adventure weeks in advance.  Still, I was completely surprised to see Colin’s delight and fascination when we finally arrived.  He marveled at the small town storefronts, giggled when I knew nearly every person we saw, and loved my house tucked away in the woods.  I showed him all of the major downtown landmarks:  the school, the football field, the tiny grocery store, our two stoplights… and I also took him to some lesser explored places:  the old fishing docks at the lake, the ATV trails through the forest, and “The Gorge”—a lookout over a breathtaking valley that only a brave hiker can get to.  When he turned to me and whispered, “You know, I think I could live here,” I was confused.  “There’s nothing here!” I wanted to scream.  But Colin sees in the world in a special way… it’s one of the things I love most about him.  Looking at my town through his eyes, I was finally able to see its promise and beauty. 

 Except for the Beatles fans flocking to catch a glimpse of John Lennon’s house, my town is Penny Lane.  It’s a place where “all the people that come and go stop and say hello.”  It’s a quiet place, a safe place.  For outdoor lovers like Colin, it’s a land of endless adventure.  It may not have much, but it’s home.  It’s “in my ears and in my eyes.”  No matter where I end up, it’s a place where “I sit and meanwhile back” at home, I’ll always be welcomed.  Maybe I had to move away to finally see it, but I know now that I’m lucky to have grown up in “Penny Lane.”

Oh Penny Lane