When I moved here in 2005, I was longing for community, connection, and a family. I remember standing by the courthouse in Franklin and thinking to myself that Franklin was so like a quintessential Norman Rockwell painting–the most charming depiction of the American dream–and that resonated in every ounce of my being.

To “be here” is and has been, for me, the manifestation of my adult goals and I’m forever grateful for the ways in which they’ve been created here. From adopting my two oldest children, to building a career, and creating chosen family through the richest network of friends and community.

What I love the most is that in nearly every encounter I have here, I am reminded that we are all connected and that those connections build community. Regardless of where you’ve come from, you belong here.