I am from an accomplished dream—

from an image of a healthy family and opportunities to succeed.

I am from from a hard working mother and father—

from a father who always told me “love what you do in life, never work a day in your life.”

I am from a family deep rooted in the German culture—

from a first generation American family.

I am from a family who cherishes time spent together—

from a family who works with each other and loves one another.

I am from a family whose dreams came true—

from a family who took risks and invested in themselves.

I am from a family of six—

from three sisters; a PhD student, a law student, and a pre med student.

I am from life and death—

from hollow hearts to the brother I would have known.

I am from every November 30th having to grieve the loss of my brother—

from picking out our Christmas tree; to dinner with my family.

I am from one home—

from the village of Nashotah; the kind of town of dreams, lakes in our backyards.

I am from lessons taught—

from being told “Ten minutes early is on time; on time is late; late is unacceptable.”

I am from an accomplished dream—

from a cherished image of a family.