I am from a family of risk-takers

From rollercoaster rides to waterslides and everything in between. 

I am from a family of go-getters

That won’t rest until goals are achieved. 

I am from tone deaf singing with my friends

From cars that resemble the atmosphere of karaoke bars

From sore vocal cords for days to come. 

I am from rewatching my favorite TV series

Over and over and over again

Just for the pure comfort and serotonin that it brings.

I am from the smell of the sweetest, homemade cinnamon rolls baking in the oven

And my Oma’s special touch that made them complete.

I am from the loss of these cinnamon rolls 

As soon as we lost her and all of the endless love she brought into this world.  

I am from change and realization

As pointe shoes turned into poms 

And stages turned into sidelines. 

I am from the Barbies boxed away in my basement

That must be as lonely as I was when I used to play with them.

I am from the plethora of books neatly organized and stacked in my room

From the pages that couldn’t catch a break from being flipped time and time again 

To now remaining lifeless and stale as they sit and wait for attention. 

I am from the photo albums and picture frames that litter the house 

With their memories brought to life every time my eyes are captured by their presence. 

I am from a series of empty promises 

That I hope to fill one day. 

I am from dreams of a bright future 

Filled with ambition, love, success, 

And, most of all, pure happiness.