Where I'm From

I am from ad altiora natus, from those born for higher things. I am from Phillies games on summer days, From starry nights spent sleeping on the hammock. I am from Catholic school, the green and the white and the blue and the gold. I am from kickball in the empty streets, and from manhunt after dark. I am from Germany, the Becks and the Fritzens and the Alberts. I am from Lithuania, from the ship that brought the Kuprises. I am from Ireland, the blonde-hair and blue-eyed McKiernans and McColligins. I am from across the pond, from the florid accents of the Graves. And from Colleen and Thomas, from Elaine and Joseph and May and Neil. I am from Scranton, the place the Beck’s continue to call home. I am from Hopatcong and Owassa, from memories of summer days spent on the lake. I am from Pottsgrove, the one place I will always call home. I am from the courts, whether serving or shooting. I am from stunting, from “Go big blue lets go fight panthers fight.” I am from scintillating smiles, the bright lights of the stage. I am from pirouettes and plies, from toe stands and tap shoes. I am from rhythm and eight counts, from feeling the music instead of hearing it. I am from fake eyelashes, bobby pins and bottles of hairspray. And I am from twelve hours car rides, those North Carolina summers. I am from Fenwick Island, from late night walks on the town. I am from family right up the street, and best friends nine hundred sixty eight miles away. I am from Brigantine Beach, from bagel boys and skateboard accidents. I am from my amazing friends, the nights that never seem to end. I am from doing crazy things with people more insane than I am, from Red Lobster and ten o’clock Target runs. I am from two little brothers, who are like me in too many ways. I am from five little blonde-haired McKiernans, from sixteen tall, olive-skinned Becks. I am from cousins gone too soon who watch over me every day, from the tiny hearts of Neily, Maddie, and Meredith. I am from the strength of my aunts and uncles, who kept strong when everyone else was weak. I am from standards set high, from honors and awards. I am from never giving up, those who stop at nothing to reach their dreams. I am from miracles and answered prayers, always helping me to never lose hope. I am from cameras and close ups, from morning appearances on Good Day. I am from a family that loves me, the people who made me who I am today. I am from ad altiora natus, because I am born for higher things.