Where I'm From

I am from torn flip flops, from Gymboree and anti-itch cream to soothe the bothersome mosquito bites. I am from the golden tulips, the cave beneath the luscious petals smelling of a sweet nectar. I am from homestyle ham, fresh from the oven and sea blue eyes, our reminder of our true origin, from Catherine and Jerry and Nana and Pop Pop. I am from the calm and collected and the not so composed. From Knock it off! and Work harder! I am from the Promiseland living my life through Him and his 10 guidelines to eternal life. I'm from The Golden State, creamy Gullivers corn and fresh basil and mint. From the car accident stealing my grandfather out from under me, the journey to a new found home in support of my father, and the weak mental state of my widowed grandmother. I am from the vacant basement stacked with sealed boxes, unaware of the worth and pricelessness. A pine tree frosted with snow, strong and sturdy, and unbreakable. Each needle representing a memory that will never be forgotten but connected through our roots.