I am From

             I am from playing in the sandbox in my back yard with my brother and sister, and climbing the chain-linked fence over to the neighbor boy’s house, and at the time my best friend.  

 I am from cheetos, mac and cheese, hotdogs, and ice cream with the Hershey’s syrup stirred in.  From mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, waffles, and canned peaches and pears.  From the world’s best French toast, made by my dad.

 I am from picking mulberries at the farm, chasing the chickens, feeding the pigs, and making hay forts in the hayloft, where I spent hours.  From my aunt pulling slivers out of my feet because I did not wear shoes.  Then at night, watching late night Zorro when I couldn’t sleep because the living room was crowded and there was only one window air conditioner in the corner. 

          I am from Doug, Gullah Gullah Island, Carissa Explains it All, Rug Rats, Chip’n Dale Rescue Rangers, Full House, Winnie the Pooh, and Barney.  I am from Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Cinderella, The Lion King, and The Little Rascals.  I am from the Disney Channel, and Nickelodeon.

          I am from the 4^th of July in St. Helena, watching my aunts and uncles playing softball and volleyball games.  From playing the fun games, winning prizes, spending time with my cousins, and then watching fireworks.

 I am from WYnot, watching  WYnot playing baseball games, watching my uncle coaching the girls basketball team and watching the tears as they lost their first game at state, didn’t make it to state, and the tears of joy as they won state for the first time for their school.      

 I am from Poncho Villa, Charlie’s, Tastee Treat, Hardees and McDonalds. I am from cheese burritos, tortilla chips with ranch dressing, cheese pizza, tastees, hot ham and cheese sandwiches, and hamburgers.

 I am from girls scouts, softball, soccer, basketball, barbies, bowling, late nights of capture the flag, and roller-blading.  From playing house with my sister on the porch, having tea parties, and going to the duck pond with my babysitter. 

 I am from all of these things.  These are the memories I hold dear to me, and I will remember forever.  This is who I am, and where I am from.   This is the real me.