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The stars stay the same no matter where you go. They’re consistent. Orion is always there with his bow and his belt and distinctive shoulders in the sky. 

I noticed this when I was apartment hunting in Franklin, Tenn., preparing for my big move after my wedding this spring. My fiancé was unlocking the door to our friend’s townhome after a long day of driving, touring, and exploring, when I looked up through the crisp Tennessee air and found Orion. He was so stapled there, so strongly glued in place, just like he was over Landrum. And I thought, “No matter where I am, the stars stay the same.” 

Upon arrival to the place that would become my home soon, I felt that familiar knot in my throat that likes to come before the tears. Nashville felt so much like interstates and fast cars and fast food at first. 

Then I entered Franklin, a little town far off the interstate, surrounded by backroads that looked like Highway 14, with a town center that charmed me like Hallmark movies do. 

It was so similar to the fields and town and country living I’d grown accustomed to that when I heard a phone “ding” with my mom’s same ringtone, I was taken aback a little. And I was reminded that in a way that this place wasn’t all that new to me. 

The homesickness came in heavy waves that first day, making me question whether I could turn an apartment into a home, or feel cozy in a new town, or even land a job at their local newspaper. And while I’d love to front an adventurous and strong persona, I like to be honest in my column. I like for readers to see the real side of being 25 and afraid of change.
So honestly? 

Honestly, I woke up the next day in Franklin, found a local coffee spot, and explored the town. Did you know that I’ll live 20 minutes away from Dolly Parton’s house? That I got an insider’s tip on where the celebrities get their coffee on Monday and Tuesday mornings? Did you know I’m moving to the town where Billy Ray Cyrus raised Miley? (You might not care, but for someone who’s marrying a music artist, that’s pretty huge.) 

I found a comfy little breakfast place that has amazing omelets. I ate the best cookie of my life just down the road from our soon-to-be apartment complex. I discovered I’m a little overwhelmed by downtown Nashville, but the pretty lights make up for it. I didn’t love country music, but I love it there. 

My second day in Franklin, I wasn’t homesick; I actually didn’t have enough time to see all the new and sparkly parts of this Hallmark town. 

Oh, another thing? It’s cold. I realized I’ll need thicker socks. 

But when I hear that familiar “ding!” that I’m used to my mom’s phone making, or I go into a pizza shop that I just know my dad would love, or I slow down and feel intimidated by all the change, I’ll look up, just like I did on the first night and think, “No matter where I am, the stars stay the same.”

Always anchored above me. Always telling me that as far as the distance is from where I grew up, the same Orion that’s waving to me and Austin on our balcony is the same one waving down to my hometown, too.