Five medium sized boxes. One bed, dresser, desk, a rug, a guitar.
Three years of memories packed into a 5’x 8’ U-Haul.
My last night in Waco was spent among good friends with good food. I spent the day with my best friend, visiting typical Wacoan hotspots such as Magnolia and Spice Village. While the Fixer Upper headquarters is overpriced, overcrowded, and overrated, I caved and purchased a T-shirt and candle. Memorabilia for living next to Chip and Joanna for three years.
Packing was a group effort, neighbors and friends came together to both load my furniture and claim the things left behind. The whole ordeal took less than two hours, we laughed and cried as we realized the day, and my time in Texas, was coming to an end.
For a while, I sat alone on the floor of my empty apartment and looked over the traces of lingering memories. The front door is chewed up from two years ago while raising my dog. There’s a stream of green candle wax running down a wall from a birthday cake accident. A stain on the carpet from nights with too much tequila. Scuff marks on the linoleum from slow dancing in front of the fireplace. A plastered-over hole in the wall from a broken heart.
I made a life here. I met my people here. I fell in love here. I found myself here.
My first friend in town was Amanda. We met while working a shift at Hooters and became instant best friends. We both promptly quit our jobs and spent our days tanning on Lake Waco. Summer of 2016 was filled with laughing, swimming, and drinking too much Fireball to be legally driving a boat. (I can’t stand to be around cinnamon scented anything nowadays without gagging).
Then came Aaron, the pilot who stole my heart and flew away with it. With him, I fell in love for the second time in my life, and spent most of my time in Texas building a life by his side. We were inseparable, and though he and I were not meant to be, I owe many thanks to Aaron for all the memories and experiences. I’m proud to have known him for the time we had together, and I’m glad to be able to still call him a friend.
Finally, the numerous friends who’ve influenced my life in tremendous ways; my neighbor Terra, my best friends Hannah, Taylor and Ben Mezger, Edmond Marton, my incredible professor Dr. Mona Choucair. All incredible individuals whom I’ve relied on and without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Realizing the apartment complex will replace the stained carpet, fix my chewed door and paint over the holes in the wall, brought tears to my eyes. My dirty little home will be fixed up for the next renter to create their own life memories.
Although Texas will always have a place in my heart, I know it’s time to move onto the next adventure. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to the places and people I’ve fallen in love with over the last few years. I owe Waco for years of laughter, life lessons, and love with the most amazing friends. Thank you for the most incredible three years of my life.
Until next time,
♡ Abigail Reagan
Amanda 
Edmond 
Aaron 
Hannah
