Yeah, I am not native either, but I love it here.
I came down from Oklahoma. I’ll never forget 7th grade Texas History class. We had to memorize and recite Col. Travis’ “To All Americans in the World” letter from the Alamo.
I cried. As a 13 yo male, that was harsh. My native buds kidded me for months. Now, as a mature man, I have no regrets.
There is something special about being a Texican, or Texian, or whatever we call ourselves. I didn’t be born here but if I sing my song of death here at some point in my history, you may all know it was a good day to die.
As Col. Crockett said “You may all go to hell, I’ll go to Texas.”
I mean, that is beautiful right there. Yowza!
As an Army brat, it seems I grew up in a hundred different places. All but the great state of Texas. For some reason, Dad was never stationed here during his career, so I only came to know the place after I had my own kids.
In 2005 I’d finally had it with the decline in California, and crossed the mental Rubicon of seeking greener pastures elsewhere. Friends on the net suggested that I give Texas a look. The wife and I came down to see for ourselves, and we knew right away that it was the place for us.
I was very happy with our decision, and only regretted having to leave our extended family behind, but at the time, I had no idea what a wise choice we’d made. I only came to appreciate that, after having lived here a number of years.
The proof in the pudding, is that I’ve never gotten homesick for California. Not even once.