WSET.com - ABC13A Little Something Like Home

By: Lauren Compton

I have this sign on my apartment door that says, "Home is where the heart is." It reminds me  that home is where you make it.

I live in a great historic district in Lynchburg. Every morning I can sit out on my balcony and see the sunrise. While I'm walking my dog I often see runners pounding the pavement before their workdays. As the weeks turned to months in my new place, I began to see more familiar faces. A few neighbors started waving hello, and people passing smiled in recognition. I have never lived in an apartment building where so many people care about their neighbors. If I ever need a cup of sugar or someone to look after my little Chorkie I know help is only a knock away.

When I come home from work my neighbors often ask me about my day, and we'll chat about the local news. I'll often take a jog around the neighborhood to shake off the day's stress. And it seems I always find something new and interesting to discover. I'll stop and talk to someone about their running programs, their dogs, or the new happenings in the city. When I come home to rest my head at night something in me feels safe and secure. It's a calm feeling of being home.

Sure my parents are not here, and I miss seeing my friends. But, I realize a little bit of my heart is in the Hill City. From the people who have embraced me on-air to my gracious neighbors, I'm grateful to call this part of Virginia home. Lynchburg is my third home. Second is Richmond, then Virginia Beach. Home really is where you make it, and wherever you can find happiness. And, I've found so much joy living in Lynchburg from the breath-taking mountains, to the sweet southern hospitality.