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In 1975, three friends and I bought a second home on Hilton Head Island to share. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities that Hilton Head Island offered.

At the time, I was married with two young children and we spent many happy times here. My parents had owned oceanfront property in Florida most of my life and I couldn't imagine my children growing up and not experiencing the wonders of the ocean, beach and wildlife that abounds on the southeastern coast. I never dreamed we could ever live here.

In 1979, my life changed dramatically. I was a divorced, single parent of two young daughters. I felt that a change of scenery and a fresh start was exactly what the doctor ordered and I began to research places to live. I was looking for a place that was safe and nurturing for my children, a community that was small but growing, an area with opportunity for me to excel in my profession (real estate), and a close-knit community with a good balance of young, middle-aged and retired people.

My mother had a friend who, after retirement from a distinguished career in the military, settled on Hilton Head and opened a successful business. He invited us to visit and take a look at the island as a permanent home. My mother was very dubious as she felt that no one actually "lived" on the island. Fortunately for me, my mother's friend was very supportive of my move and we were convinced to go for it! (Ironically, my mother now lives here, too!)

From the moment I moved to Hilton Head Island, I knew that I had chosen the right place. My children were enrolled in the only school on the island, Sea Pines Academy, now Hilton Head Prep. Although a very small school, my girls thrived.

We met many young families who were welcoming and many of these people are still dear friends today. Because the island was so small, my children never felt the pressure to compete, be it sports, art or theater. Everyone was encouraged to participate in everything! Parents were very supportive of each other and took turns taking and picking up to dance lessons, horseback lessons, community theater, birthday parties, etc.  It was truly like living in Mayberry!

The island has changed a lot since I made my decision to move here in 1979, but in most every case, the island has changed for the better. It was difficult to get the things you needed or wanted on the island back then. We had to go to Savannah or Charleston to buy necessities like socks and underwear, visit doctors, and even go to a mall to shop or enjoy a pizza.

My girls are grown now and have such great memories of growing up on Hilton Head Island. One of my daughters is married and lives here with her husband, who also grew up on the island. They are raising their two children here and agree that although it is much different than the island on which they grew up, it still beats anywhere else! They chose to live on Hilton Head Island for many of the same reasons that I did back in 1979. These have not changed. Hilton Head is still a safe and nurturing place for their children, a small but growing community, with opportunities for business people, and a close-knit community with a good balance of people of all ages, not to mention the beauty and amenities.

Because most residents don't have family here, friends become family. We share holidays, births and deaths, christenings, and other important times in our lives. I don't know of another place like our island and feel very blessed that I chose Hilton Head Island as my home. The beauty of the island, the warmth of the sun, the most interesting people in the world. Who could ask for more?

By Lottie Woodward