I am from my Grandmother's brown piano, Autocrat coffee syrup and shag green carpet.
I am from fields, wide and open as far as a child's eye can see, begging to be palyed in. A dark brown wooden swing set built by my Father's hands. From a quiet growing neighborhood where you could stay out until the streetlights came on.
I am from the sunshine, the smell of salt in the ocean.
I am from my Father's famous omlets made with love on lazy Saturday mornings, from Tim and Karen, high school sweethearts. From an Irish last name.
I am from stubborn and loud and I will have the last word.
From you can be anything you want to be and blood is thicker than water.
I am from the smell of incense in the air at Sunday morning Mass to 'Hallelujahs' and 'Amens' being yelled from the pews.
I am from Providence, land of industry and vibrancy. I am from Tampa, land of memories. I am from homemade macaroni and cheese and chicken pot pie, with a slightly burnt crust.
From the day my Father came home from being stationed overseas, the afternoon talks with my Mother while she prepared dinner and I watched from a bar stool in our kitchen, from my head resting on my Grandmother's lap as she stroked my hair while watching the evening news.
I am from my Aunt's camera lense, capturing precious memories that are bound in pretty books. I am from old black and whites and faded Polaroids. Smiling faces of those who came before me. A Grandfather who didn't live to be a part of my world and a Grandmother who was my world.
I am from a man who raised a daughter on his own. A Daughter who had three of her own.
I am from a fire fighter, a police officer, a teacher, a military veteran. I am from middle class, blue collar America, working hard for what you want out of life.
I am from a world where anything is possible and my children will be too.
This writing exercise is based on a template which was inspired by a poem written by George Ella Lyon. I encourage you to write your own "Where I'm From", you'll be amazed at the memories it brings to the surface.
