Finding Peace in Normal

Normal, Illinois

“Leaving behind the shadows of the past, I found my way to Normal, Illinois—a place where resilience meets opportunity.”

~ Sara Matthews

by Sara Matthews
The main character in Success Is The Best Revenge and soon-to-be-released North of Normal

Introduction

Finding peace was a constant challenge for me, regardless of my location. However, when I made a daring move that led me 3000 miles away from my hometown on Whidbey Island, leaving behind lifelong friends and escaping Thomas's relentless violence, I discovered a glimmer of hope for a tranquil life. The anticipation of embarking on a fresh career filled me with excitement, and I viewed this relocation as a gateway to personal and professional growth. Let me recount the remarkable journey that allowed me to uncover both serenity and adventures as I broke free from a harrowing past of abuse.

What Did The Town of Normal Offer?

Despite the community's official name being Bloomington-Normal (Twin Cities), I was well aware that my friends would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't choose to settle in Normal. I anticipated a barrage of jokes coming my way! I thought the name was weird, but when I discovered the University of Illinois had its roots as a teacher's college back in 1857, it made total sense. In those days, institutions like it were commonly called "normal schools."

Downtown Normal was really called Uptown Normal, and while it was a little bigger, it reminded me of Coupeville, my hometown. I was amazed at all there was to see and do in the small town. There was the Children's Museum, and I discovered my favorite coffee shop, The Coffee Hound, where I could meet a friend, read the paper, or sit and people-watch as I drank a latte. My favorite pub, Maggie Miley's, served the best fish and chips. And the festivals! Every weekend there was something to go to. Still, my favorite was the Corn and Blues Festival during the harvest - lots of corn served, many bands playing soulful blues, and friendly new people to meet. I had my first funnel cake at the first one I went to! It didn't take long for me to fall in love with this new community I moved to.

The Amtrak station provided an easy trip to Chicago, just two miles north. My new town allowed me to re-create my life and have a few adventures.

The Seasons

As summer engulfed the town, the surrounding farms provided acres of soybeans and corn. As summer progressed, towering cornstalks lined the roads, creating an illusion of familiarity, reminding me of the majestic evergreen trees of home. When I drove at night, the fireflies would dance between the stalks, creating a magical feeling. Fluffy white clouds in the baby blue skies were reminiscent of the mountains that ringed around my island. All I had to do when I got homesick in the summer was to take a drive!

But winters were much different. I loved it when it snowed back home - everything shut down, and the cold, wet stuff would be gone in just a few days - long enough to have snowball fights and go sledding. But here, it felt like the snow never left! Mountains of snow were pushed to the side of the roads and parking lots, and nothing shut down. The nights were long - and lonely.

Natural Beauty

To escape from the shadows of my past, I was on a journey of self-discovery. I often sought solace in the serenity of nature. Normal had an abundance of parks, trails, and green spaces. The Constitution Trail, a scenic pathway spanning nearly 24 miles, became my sanctuary—a place where I could find solace, reflect, and reclaim my sense of self. The lush landscapes, blooming flowers, and gentle breeze whispered messages of hope and rejuvenation. I would attend live concerts in Miller Park or drive to Lake Bloomington to think things through.

Conclusion

For me, Normal became more than just a town on a map; it symbolized hope, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. And while I continued to be shadowed by the threats of harm by Thomas, it became a place to reclaim my life after escaping abuse. 

Have you had the experience of uprooting your life and moving to an entirely different part of the country, throwing you into a different culture and environment? If you have, how did you adjust?

Thank you for reading to the end! Please leave your comments below.

Read on!

Kathy