Recently, I ventured to vibrant cities like New York, San Francisco, and even Ensenada. While each place had its own charm and unique characteristics, my heart always leads me back to the Midwest. It’s truly a wonderful region for both childhood and adulthood.
Do you feel a similar connection to this beloved area? You might be a Midwesterner if:
- You find yourself praying for rain to support the crops, only to wish for it to stop so farmers can return to their fields.
- Hurricanes and earthquakes terrify you, but when the tornado siren blares, you dash to the front porch for a better view.
- You’ve navigated more gravel roads than paved ones.
- You’ve patiently waited behind a line of cars to pass a combine on the highway.
- You learned to operate a tractor before you ever got behind the wheel of a car.
- You can name the months for harvesting wheat, corn, and soybeans—and know when hay is being gathered.
- You’re familiar with the distinct scent of a feedlot.
- You notice that guys typically wear ball caps while girls sport wind-blown hair.
- It’s common to see catfish on the menu at local diners, and frog legs don’t raise any eyebrows.
- When out-of-state relatives come to visit, you take them cow tipping or snipe hunting.
- There’s a cooler at the convenience store where you can grab fish bait right next to the sandwiches.
- In summer, you’ll find a pickup truck on nearly every corner selling fresh vegetables or melons from the tailgate.
- Dressing up means donning your least faded jeans, a button-up shirt, and polished boots.
- You’ve slowed down to avoid hitting wildlife like turtles, snakes, or even cows.
- Your yard features a tire swing and a partially constructed treehouse.
- You grew up taking dips in a pond or creek.
- You’ve had to scrape cow manure off your boots more than once.
- You know what mountain oysters are.
- The local vet is on speed dial, and he knows exactly where you live just by your name.
- You’re aware of which side of a horse to mount and how to properly cinch a saddle.
- You’ve played in a hayloft, collected fresh eggs, or been pecked by a rooster.
- You’ve worked a hand pump and tasted the refreshing coolness of well water.
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Summary: The Midwest possesses a unique charm that manifests in the lifestyle, traditions, and experiences of its residents. From appreciating the agricultural rhythms to engaging in quirky local customs, being from the Midwest creates a sense of belonging and nostalgia that many cherish.