When thinking about family, whether they are distant relatives or close loved ones, we rarely would consider outsiders, let alone strangers. But that hasn’t been my experience.
While it may sound like a lot of work, making new genuine connections can be easy; sometimes it’s as simple as finding a common interest with a person. As random as it might sound, that’s exactly how I was able to meet a lovely couple at a cable store in Nebraska.
For someone who had just moved 1,500 miles away from my hometown of Virginia to work as a journalist for the local news station, the last thing I ever expected I’d do is talk to strangers. But in retrospect, everyone was a stranger, including my new coworkers.
Leaving my family was harder than I expected
After a 22-hour drive from Virginia Beach to Kearney, my parents and I had finally made it to our destination, and all that I could think about the entire way, as we reached each city limit sign was “What have I done?”
My parents were about to drop me off in the middle of nowhere. “Why aren’t they stopping me?” I thought as we got closer. It was bittersweet — celebrating a huge accomplishment, stepping into my career, all while getting emotional at each restaurant during the road trip. It wasn’t until then that I realized the importance of spending time with family. The smallest things made me cry: watching my dad go up to the breakfast buffet at Shoney’s for seconds and thirds, and seeing my mom ask for French vanilla coffee creamer. I contemplated telling them just to take me back home, but I had to commit to my decision.
We worked together to get me settled in my new town
Picking up my keys from the apartment leasing office seemed to be the only thing that could cheer me up — sure, I was sad, but who wouldn’t feel accomplished moving out of their parents’ house? They were set to fly back home that following Monday, so helping me get settled was our main goal for the next few days.
Everywhere we went, it felt as though we stood out as a Black family in Kearney. But like most talkative dads, mine didn’t care, and he’d have small talk about sports with random people to get a feel of the environment.
Setting up my cable service was a priority. Little did I know, it would be a turning point for me. As we were choosing cable plans, my dad started chatting with a white couple who were also setting up their services.
They began telling us the ins and outs of living there — helpful information that I needed to know. A few people shared insights with me on the area, but to hear it from actual residents made a huge difference. As a Black woman in her early 20s moving to a strange place, the couple made me feel welcome.
They were aware that I relocated for work and shared that their daughter had also just moved for college, so we had something in common. Assuming that the connection was just a one-off situation where I’d never hear from them again, they proved me wrong. My mom and the man’s wife became Facebook friends, which made me even more comfortable with the idea of reaching out. After all, the connection was completely normal, just two mothers posting about how much they love their kids.
Eventually, our relationship blossomed
After months of living in Kearney, finally accepting that I needed a wholesome bond to make me feel at home, I decided to take the couple up on an offer to go to church together. And there I was on a Sunday morning with people I met at a cable store. Was I nervous? Of course. But about 20 minutes into the service, it hit me that there are genuinely good people in the world. So when they invited me out for brunch afterwards, there was no hesitation in my mind — I even rode with them to the restaurant. On the ride, they shared more details about the area, helping me to become more acquainted with my environment. They made me feel comfortable, and at home, something I needed at the time.
Since moving back to Virginia, our relationship has been limited to Facebook updates, but at least I know that I will always have family in Nebraska.
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