Author: Becca Robinson
I recently read an article that said:
“What’s your favorite place? I don’t have a favorite place. I have my favorite people and whenever I’m with my favorite people, it becomes my favorite place.”
As I ponder this question, I am reminded of all the places I have lived and traveled. Being a military spouse, I have been to many states. I have seen many beautiful sights and landmarks, met fascinating people, and experienced many laughs, tears, and hugs with those we met along the way. Every place I have been has a beautiful memory attached, and like the unknown author of the article, I, too, believe it is because it was shared with another human.
Many people don’t think of their hometown as their favorite place, especially if they never leave. For them, there is some place better outside their city limit, county, or state. When you move as much as I do, that’s not always the case. I visit my hometown once or twice a year and each time I think to myself, “this is my favorite place.”
If I am honest, the reason I get so excited about going home is because I get to see my people – the people who were there first – the people who molded me into the person I am today. It is the place I was born and where I met my husband. Our children were born there. Memories of my parents, siblings, and friends are there. My hometown is my safe place to land; my sister’s house is my refuge. I feel youthful when I am there. I can take a break from adult problems and feel at ease. When I am at her house, I think to myself, “this is my favorite place.”
My best friend and I take trips together. We have been to New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, and Nashville. These trips were filled with adventure and giggles and for each place we vacationed together, I think to myself, “this is my favorite place.”
Then I think about the states to which my husband and our family were stationed – Alaska, Washington, Texas, and Georgia. Even if we only lived there for three or four years, it feels as if pieces of our family are still there. When we go back to visit, or when we are just passing through, we often drive by our previous homes. Looking at those houses brings back so many memories. I remember the ages my kids were when we lived there and the shenanigans they were up to. I think about the meals we shared. I think of the new friends and neighbors we met, who frequented our home for game nights and dinners. When I visit the places we have lived, I think to myself, “this is my favorite place.”
So, I don’t think there is a place on the planet that we ever fully feel at peace or satisfied unless we are sharing it with the people that make us happy. I think that this world is too big to only have one favorite place. But we have plenty of room in our hearts to find the beauty in all places as long as we are sharing that place with the people we love. That’s what makes every place special. That is what makes it our favorite place.
Vivian is a storyteller and writer from small-town Oklahoma who loves bringing joy and laughter to others through the gift of memory-sharing. 
Beautifully said. ❤️
I love this Becca!
Thank you, my sweet friend! You are part of this. Because of you, Texas will always be one of my favorite places. I will never again travel through Texas and not smile and think of you.
Thank you!
Thank you very much, Susan!
Thank you, Susan!! Thank you for the support. You truly are one of the best people I know!
Enjoyed reading this! Special people come and go in our lives. I’m happy our paths crossed! You are a truly special friend. Miss you Becca!
Thank you, Pam! I truly treasure our friendship! I feel so lucky to have met you when we were at Fort Sill. You will forever be one of my favorite people.
Where you are is one of my favorite places. We share such a bond. We know when the other is missing “home” and we often pick up the phone and call and the world gets better. I love you and this article is so true and perfect.
Thank you, Mellissa. This is so true. The bond that we share is a beautiful gift, I love you.
I love this! Well said, Becca. I feel the exact same way.
Thank you, Danielle. I am forever grateful for the time we shared together at Fort Hood. I’m incredibly lucky to call you my friend. You were my first military spouse mentor. You taught me how to be strong during deployments. You also taught me the importance of military spouse friendships and how important it is to support one another. I will forever hold you on a pedestal for the life lessons you taught me. You probably never even realized in the moment how much your support and guidance meant to me. I will never forget it.
I love this,Becca,you were molded by your aunts & your awesome mom! Where ever I’m at with my husband, I’m at my favorite spot.
Thank you, Rachel. This is such a sweet comment. My favorite place of all time is any place Keith is. I never quite feel whole when he’s not with me. I love you.
So beautiful Becca 💖💖💖 home is where your heart is 💕. I almost cried reading this. Love you
Thank you, Janie! I love you.