[The following is a response to an article in Wall Street
Journal.]
I was instantly hooked to the
story of Caity Cronkhite’s odyssey from small-town Indiana to college to the
San Francisco Bay area and her return visit to her hometown in Indiana (“One Striver’s
Small-Town Regrets,” December 16-17). My own story is both similar and
different.
After being born in a small
county seat town in Oklahoma I spent much of the next 13 years in Colorado and
California cities and suburbs. My mother, brother, and I returned to Oklahoma
following a family crisis. The next five years was generally a safe haven but I
increasingly felt the urge to leave our small town for the “bright lights” and
after high school graduation (senior class of 32 students) I did indeed leave
for the University of Oklahoma. I privately vowed never to return except to
visit family. I was not angry but I did feel I deserved more than my small town
could offer.
Marriage, college graduation,
children, and careers quickly followed. We lived in Germany for three years and
the Washington DC area for eight. We did return for family visits and breaking
my vow, my wife and I began attending some school reunions. My perspective and
feelings also began to evolve. My own odyssey was complete when I was selected
Alumni of the Year in 2012. At that time I was fully able to express my love
and appreciation for the nurture those folks provided me when I needed it the
most.
Family, school, and church in
small town Oklahoma collaborated to instill positive character and values in
me. They were not perfect by any means, but they were persistent in expecting
that I put forth my best efforts. I am glad I was able to go home again, and I
am glad Ms. Cronkhite was also able to do so.
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