I am from obnoxiously large pink hair bows and matching outfits,
from frilly dresses and golden ringlets.
I am from corny jokes, family board games, and movie nights,
hide and seek, classic Disney movies, and watching home videos.
I am from “Disney World Life!” “Say Cheese!” and “Life’s not fair or Bob would have hair!”
I am from bear hugs and butterfly kisses,
from family first and bedtime prayers.

I am from “I love you,” “Be safe!” and “Don’t forget to brush your teeth!”
from family portraits like wall paper.
(Blown up to epic proportions, covering the walls)
I am from poster board size homemade birthday cards.
I am from piano lessons, dancing school, and tennis matches,
from strolls around the tree-filled neighborhood, family bike rides to Magazine Street, and mass on Sundays.

I am from a family of dentists and perfect teeth,
from spoiled rotten Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
I am from dog friendly hotels and motor home campgrounds,
from Destin, New York City, and Colorado family vacations.

I am from a big, red brick house in the suburbs of River Ridge,
from tikki bars, pool parties, crawfish boils, barbecues, and hot tubs.
I am from “Who Dats!” and “Geaux Tigers!”
I am from health freaks and exercising fanatics,
from 75% dark chocolate and extra ice please.
I am from low sodium soy sauce and weekly Sake visits (sushi).

I am from “being a tourist in your hometown,”
from French Quarter carriage rides, powdered sugar beignets from Café du Monde, and mass at St. Louis Cathedral.
I am from all day shopping trips,
and “Are we done yet?”

I am from watching Peter Pan and playing “balloon” at Gi Gi and Paw Paw’s,
from watching movies and playing vet at Grammy and Grampy’s.
I am from Bunko nights, games of pool, and homemade dinners at Mrs. Jeannette and Mr. Steve’s.

I am from Disney World as my second home,
from “Tricky Trolls,” the “People Mover,” Soarin’, and Mickey bars.
I am from road trips to Middendorf’s,
from Broadway shows in New York City and skiing in Colorado.
I am from countless photo albums and home videos
filled with endless memories…