Tennessee

I am trying to find the words to describe what Tennessee means to me.

I am having difficulties when anyone asks me why I love it so much and why it’s so important.

Is it a feeling? Is it a sense? Is it a thought? Is it tangible? Is it a person?

There isn’t just one "someone". There are people in Tennessee that are important to me the same as there are in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Iowa, California, Arizona, and Nevada.

It is tangible and intangible. It’s a thought, a sense, a feeling all together separately and collectively.

The smell of spring in Tennessee calls to my senses. The trees speak to my soul. The smell of the earth and dirt in Tennessee call to my heart.

Being back in WI, I feel it even stronger now. It pulls at me and makes me yearn to be "home" again. That feeling of belonging without understanding why, without needing to understand why. Acceptance. Peace. Wholeness. Safety. Comfort. Joy. Love.

Tennessee is intrinsic to my spirit and defines part of who and what I am.

Tennessee is...