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I have lived in a small town most of my life. I always grew up stating I would get away from there, but always ended up returning, only to find myself wishing to be gone again.

Small town gossip can be quite cruel, and can make or break you...especially when you are an outsider. Somedays you learn things about yourself that you never knew before, and somedays you hang your head in shame, knowing the truth that they are speaking.

I never actually appreciated my small town, until a turn of events occured, and I realized that even through all of the gossip, the community was strong.

In one incident, a man had become trapped under a car at work. This left him paralyzed from the waste down. Being the father of a three year old boy, and a brand new daughter, it was especially hard on the family. The town joined hands, and brought the family relief through a benefit dance, in which, everyone in the town, the mayor; the doctor; the gossipers; the losers; the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers; friends and the enemies; they all came together.

Through these actions the town was able to help the family with medical costs and changing the house to make it wheelchair accessible. The family was also given the chance to see that they weren't going through these hard times alone.

When my husband and I first split up, it was kept hush-hush. Eventually the word got out, and I would hear about our divorce from everyone. I learned I had an affair, and that he had an affair, and that we were both taking custody of the kids. I learned so many aweful things about myself and my ex husband.

During this time, I struggled financially, trying to raise three children on a minimum wage job. Acquaintances offered their help, and I received relief with babysitting, housework, meals and bills.

The gossip sucked. But the hearts that came out to help me took the gossip away.

A small town may be bad for it's gossip, but in the end, when you've got a community behind you that supports you one hundred per cent, it is worth much more than any words that can be spoken.

Live love and love life.

Learn more about this author, Catherine Graham.
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