On “hometowns”

What a week it has been --well half of the week, starting with the American Idol contestant Hannah Harper coming to town. Way to go, city of Willow Springs and anyone else who had a hand in making that happen. It was awesome. I wasn't able to go to the pre-concerts or parade and opted to sit on my front yard with special friends and family to hopefully hear it. Not so much, but the company was awesome and should do that more often.

 

I, unfortunately read some negative posts about Hannah not really being from Willow Springs which is the reason for my long post. You see, I'm not "from" Willow either.

 

I'm not even like Hannah who is married into this town. I moved here 27 years ago. I followed my husband here to give our marriage a second chance. He came here because his dad lived here (also a transplant).

 

I didn't know what to expect from this little town. I'm a city girl. It didn't take me long to fall in love with this town. I've worked here. I have supported the school and businesses and have made lifelong friends, friends that have become family. I felt welcomed by everyone. Well almost everyone.

 

This past Friday Eric and I were humbled by the benefit that was done in our honor. As you know, Eric had heart surgery in June 2025, I had hip surgery October 2025 and emergency surgeries (took my first helicopter ride) January 2026. We learned that even though we have insurance, it doesn't cover everything. Plus, I was out of work for 2 months.

 

My church came together and created an amazing benefit to help us. So many in this town came to support. Some we didn't know. To help two people who are not from Willow Springs. You have absolutely no idea how much it meant to us.

 

Don't get me wrong I love my "first" hometown in Florida, but Willow Springs is my hometown now. 

 

So, Hannah Harper, thank you for representing this small town, and we don't mind sharing you with Bunker. A dear church friend asked if I have processed everything these last 11 months. I have now.

 

We are very lucky to be so much better than we were. God is good all the time. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

 

Kelly Metz

Willow Springs, Mo.