I’m from falling off the beam,

but continuously getting back up.
From red marks from the tetherball,
still losing the match.
I’m from crying at Richard’s funeral,
taking a rose to remember him.
From reciting the Dragon Tales theme song,
not skipping a beat.

I’m from clipping carabiners to the stairs,
trekking up snow covered Mount Everest.
From forcing Sydney to film “45 Minute Meals,”
just to throw the food away.
I’m from roller skating in the basement,
equipped with Barbie elbow pads.
From watercolor paintings,
assigning them extraordinary names.

I’m from squeaky cheese curds,
yellow and white.
From the sandy shores of Fort Myers,
seashells washing up.
I’m from frost-bitten snow days,
sipping steamy hot chocolate.
From trading erasers,
competing for the cleanest one.

I’m from saying “I love you” before bed,
accompanied with a hug.
From strawberry picking,
overflowing the basket.
I’m from collecting stamps,
searching for foreign emblems.
From family dinner nightly,
sharing stories of our day.

I’m from these moments,
each one shaping me.