Where I Am From

I am from the front porch swing, from Barbie and Bandaids.

I am from cozy, memory making moments, and Saturday morning pancakes.

I am from homegrown sunflowers and natural beauty that silences your soul.

I am from birthday parties and uncles’ crazy love, from Pa and Grandma, and my two incredible parents who still love each other for better or for worse.

I am from Fourth of July camping trips and family beach vacations.

From “You are pretty on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside.” and “Make good choices.”

I am from the church pew, Sunday School, Church Camp, and Chi Alpha events and friendships that have changed me forever.

I'm from good ole’ Fairmont and traces of Scotland and Native American, from Mama’s made from scratch chocolate chip cookies and eating funnel cakes beside a campfire.

From the 70 family members singing songs together in the living room at Thanksgiving, sister weather reports in bathing suits and , and Pa making the sound of a train whistle.

I am from boxes in the basement and bookcase photo albums. I am from family love that grows deeper and stronger than the pine tree in Grandma’s backyard.

I am from family.