I’m from a house filled with useless things, an off-tune piano, and a backyard filled with trees;
where I spent days on the swing set, or helping my dad with harvesting his garden;
broccoli, brussel sprouts, and basil.

I’m from days on the family room floor with the TV on staring mindlessly at Olivia Benson as she
attempts to solve this crime to days where I help with the garden, clean the house,
and babysit the nasty neighbors...

I’m from “Are you gonna sleep all day,” to “Did you learn a lesson,” to “No matter what happens,
Mom and Dad will always love you”

I am from playing basketball in my driveway; jumping so high to reach the rim, I can hear the birds
chirping in the sky to playing softball on the diamond; sprinting to the base, sliding
and getting called out...

I am from cotton candy at the State Fair, engorging my face with Merton Custard Shoppee
custard, and coming in from outside to smell Mom’s homemade green bean
casserole.

I am from being called “Babypal,” “Annie,” and “Ann Ann Ann,” making me feel like I’m
the baby of the family…

I’m from exhausting drives to Holy Hill, where my Dad takes the “scenic route,” wondering when I
will be able to get back home and do what I wanted to riding bikes on a
bright, sunny day to Ox and Cats to engage in friendly games of ice hockey, arcade
style

I’m from the third girl of a third girl of a third girl; which makes me have an indescribable
connection to my mother and to her mother, though she passed away when I was two…

I’m from South Bend, Indiana where I spent my days with dogs rather than people. Where I dealt
with my favorite dog, biting my arm, and have to be put down.

I am from the call at 12:01 March 12th, 2011; where my best friend decided it
was time he head on home to the Father, four days before my birthday. Leaving me with one grandparent left…

I am from a family of five; John, Peggy, Rachel and Mary. From “I had the remote first,” to “I’m
gonna go tell Mom on you,” to “Garage?” I know that they’ve got my back and I’ve
got theirs.

I am from wondering if I will measure up to my sisters, wondering when I’m won’t be compared to
them, and wondering if I’ll make my parents as proud as they did...

I’m from a house filled with useless things, an off-tune piano, and a backyard filled with trees;
where I spent days on the swing set, or helping my dad with harvesting his garden;
broccoli, brussel sprouts, and basil. When it turns out, those useless things are
what make me, me.