Where I am from

I am from the Shire in Hunters Run, from Mom’s apple crisp and Holly’s delicious crab dip.

I am from the white colonial suburban corner house with the bright red door, from every house in the neighborhood looking like the other.

I am from the land of the black-eyed Susan, land where trees are taken over by buildings and neighborhoods. I am from the city lights stealing the stars in the sky.

I am from Christmas’ and laughter, from muttonheads and jokesters. I’m from soccer and softball games for as long as I can remember.

I am from the strength of women from generations alike, who taught me to stay strong in everything I do, and believe in myself when no one else believes.

From lessons about school and life; I am from the love of a Marine who taught me to love whether near or far.

I am from backyard football, basketball, and go-carts in the yard.

I am from Dawn and Bob’s branch, from the back house light going on when dinner was ready.

From the family jokes that I was adopted from Mexico, to the biggest Ravens and Orioles fans you’ll ever meet.

I am from lectures from my older sister not to do what she did after she got in trouble.

I’m from the Chesapeake Bay, from blue crabs and Bob’s barbeque.

I am from a family that travels far and wide, from upstate New York, to North Carolina, to the hills of West Virginia, and the cold winters of Vassar, Michigan.

I am from traveling hours to school and the beach; making new friends and saying goodbye to the old; always remembering those I lost along the way.

I am from the present, past, and future, history in the making.