I am from Sundays on my uncle’s brown deck,

burning my feet standing by the pool, scared of the brisk water.

I am from the days spent with family on that deck...

the sunburns a warm memory.

I am from the fence me and my cousins hit wiffle balls over for a Home Run derby.

The itchy feeling from rolling under the fence to get balls.

I am from the playset in the back corner with the wasp nests taunting us.

From the slide that shocked me.

I am from Friday nights on the floor after the sofas have been filled,

watching and listening to my family and the TV at the same time.

I am from the roast, biscuits, and cheesy potatoes Grandma cooked.

Trying to hear conversations from the kids table.

I am from looking over on the field to see my family lined up with lawn chairs.

Culver’s after a game with Grandma and Grandpa.

I am from watching my cousins hockey and baseball,

screaming like a hyena, purposefully embarrassing them.

I am from the third pew watching Grandpa share his heart and passion,

his preaching molding me like clay.

I am from waiting a million hours for mom to stop talking.

Playing football on the blacktop outside the church.

I am from saving spots in a mile long line outside a venue,

dancing and singing with my family once inside.

I am from the nights driving home,

where I should have been home an hour ago.

I am from the waiting room in the hospital.

Seeing new life and watching it grow like a flower blooming.

I am from watching my family weep over death,

but learning how to stay strong and hopeful.

I am from a family that people think are too close.

From a family more like friends.

I am from a family that has been a cornerstone.

One that I will always be grateful for.