where I'm from

I am from women who are not afraid to be strong, and men who know it's okay to cry sometimes.

I am from sitting a tree to watch the farmer plow the corn field behind our house.

I am from sand dunes and lakefronts and woods.

I am from swing sets and monkey bars and bikes with pedal brakes and banana seats.

I am from laughing with cousins for hours about nothing in particular.

I am from sitting outside and reading, and books and books and books.

I'm from Superfudge and Are You There God, It's Me Margaret and Charlotte's Web and A Summer to Die.

I'm from Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, and oh my gosh everything I learned from them both.

I am from baking cookies with Grandma, and baking cookies for Grandma (and everyone else, too).

I am from toast with butter and honey, and peanut butter and jelly every day in my lunch box.

I am from Kool-Aid and chocolate milk to hot chocolate and hot tea.

I am from running ten miles before breakfast and another ten before dinner. From intervals and hills and track and stride on.

I am from a best friend you can call at three in the morning, even if you can't really explain why you needed to call in the first place.

I am from the altar to the meditation cushion, the rosary to the mala, hallelujah and hare krishna.

I am from the truth of Henry, the path of George, the light of Bono and Stipe, who all showed me that I can be an active participant, I can do something.

I am from working hard and doing your best (even if no one is watching).

I am from knowing when it's right and not wasting time if it's not.

I am from finding love when I wasn't even looking.

I am from wanting to see people I love smile.

I am from saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

I am from not walking away when it gets tough, but knowing when it's time to walk away.

I am here, now.