Born and raised in a small rural Iowa community. 
My town was so small, it only had a 4-way stop sign.  
The old elementary school that I knew and loved, has since closed.  
The best restaurant in town went up in flames. 
 
We don’t have much left in this old, small town. 
A post office, two restaurants, and a repair shop are all that remain.  
What used to be beautiful houses are now run down and need repair. 
Still the same ole smiling faces rolling down the main.  
 
Many long walks I would take around the town to clear my head.  
Waving at all the people driving down main.  
Going up and down the streets with my friends.  
Sun setting in the background like it’s the end. 
 
Many nights spent driving up and down those three streets. 
Looking for something to do. 
Sitting under the lights thinking of what other life is out there. 
After ten o’clock rolls around it’s dead like a ghost town. 
 
Growing up in this crazy hole in the wall place I wouldn’t trade it for the world. 
So many memories in every corner I turn.  
This crazy town shaped me into the person I am today. 
I never fully realized how fortunate I am to call this my hometown. 
 
The lessons I have learned. 
The people I have met. 
The things I have done. 
All proved to me that Bernard is not just my hometown, it’s my forever-town.