In 2008, when my father-in-law died unexpectedly, my husband and I returned to friends and family in the Kanawha Valley for healing and to be closer to his mother.
That resulted in a return to our childhood parish where, one Sunday at Mass, Mary Parker, a woman we had known and loved and respected since we were young, greeted us as we took our seats inside the church with these two beautifully simple words that matter so much, “Welcome home.†Over the next several years to follow, we became once again part of a community of friends that had always had our backs in every way possible. Even seemingly simple visits to the Pizza Hut and the DQ became moments that outshined any five-star restaurant experience.
Losing more friends and family as the years followed one after another, led my husband back to New York for business matters. West Virginia’s extractive industries faced numerous challenges and, try as every Appalachian did, a resurgence did not happen — at least not to a degree that ensured a stable future. And when this happens, adaptability becomes paramount to a secure future.
As I remained steadfast in my determination to stay firmly planted in West Virginia, I also was well aware that the time was fast approaching when I would leave. I recalled words spoken years ago by a close friend who is also a psychologist: “It doesn’t matter what you want; it only matters what you can do.†These words also remind me of Appalachians’ need to release provinciality, take a deep breath and move on.
Since my recent return to New York to promote my new book, "The Harboring & other stories," I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have quickly become my people, from Jenny who owns the dry cleaners to William who owns the flower shop on the corner to Tracey at the housewares store to Ramon and his staff at the energizing restaurant on Madison (yes, always, to the roasted tomato soup). “Welcome home†makes the move so much easier.
Let me remind you that you’ll always find your people wherever you go because you are from Appalachia, and that alone will always serve you well, as it has for me, a West Virginia girl making her way in New York City.
Kathleen M. Jacobs is an author and West Virginia native living in New York City.
