Moving to a Small Town

I started dating Kyle back in the beginning of the year. We lived about an hour and 10-15 minutes apart from one another. So for about the first two months of our relationship we'd meet in the middle and do different types of activities. Our first date we went to Dave N Busters then had dinner then followed up with a trip to Ross and Target. Little did we know that Ross trips would become a core part of our relationship.

Then came March. Covid-19 hit the world and everything shut down. Illinois went into their 5 Phases and people lost their minds. I lost one of my jobs, but thankfully was kept on at the other one. The one that I love more than anything and have been trying so hard to get into. It's my banquet coordinating job. With us being closed to the public from mid-March to June, we had a pretty set schedule, which never happens in this industry. For me being only part time, I worked four days a week and had three days off. Since we couldn't host events, it made sense to be closed on weekends. Again, something that never happens in our industry.

So, I worked Tuesday through Friday and was off Saturday through Monday. It was the best ideal schedule ever! With that, I slowly started staying at Kyle's on the weekends and be at my parent's during the time I worked. It just made sense. But then, when Monday's came around, it would get harder and harder to live Kyle. We had a bond that was something I'd never experience in my life. He became something so special to me. Still is. I remember one Monday, that I cried leaving. I think it was that time we realized this wasn't working.

We agreed we hated when I left and that we didn't want to do that anymore. How about to live together full time? So, I decided to do a test run. For a week, I would commute to and from work and I lived in our very tiny apartment together.

After the first week, I was exhausted from driving to and from work. I didn't think I could do it full time, but being with Kyle after work and on my off days made it worth it. I tried for another week to see if I could do it and it sort of became easier. Fast forward to now, it has been about three and a half months (we think, we lost track due to Covid) and I am still living here full time.

Our town is small. Capron, IL. I tell that to people I work with and they were like "what? Ca-who? Where is that?!" I'd explain and they'd be like you commute that long all the time? Why? Simply because Kyle and I have created this life together. Yes, we have our ups and downs, but I have learned that no matter what, we can truly get through anything. We want to make us work, and it's not hard for us to do.

I have some relationship issues from past relationships leaving some big scars. Ky is aware of those, but he has never treated me differently. He has just shown me, he's not like my exs and it's true.

So when we started talking about living together, I always said that I am not living in Capron. It's a cute town but it is not for me. But now, I have fallen in love with this town. To give you an idea of this town, the population is 1,357 people. It is 499 acres. We really live in the heart of the town. Out our front window we can see the post office, the local bar and the main street that runs through the town.

Since moving here, I have learned that everyone says hi to each other in passing. There is a cemetery about 5 minutes or less walking distance from our apartment. People take tractors to the bar. The post office is a tiny building where you run into everyone there.

One thing that has completely blown my mind is, when I started staying here, I wouldn't go anywhere without Kyle. I was safe with him. Now though, I go on walks by myself from time to time. I got to the store by myself, which I love and hate at the same time. But I am comfortable enough to go on my own. For me, that is big. I get nervous doing things alone, especially if it is the first time. Now, it is something that I have gotten used to doing, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've always wanted to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. Little did I know that this city girl would end up in a small town. Capron has definitely captured my heart and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Sarah ♥︎