I am from washable markers,  Johnson’s baby lotion, and neosporin

I am from the 1:00 pm thunderstorms and 1:05pm sunshine

Humid, wet, it felt like a sauna

I am from the fake plants, the palm trees

That never failed to die every winter

I'm from the christmas eve at grandmas and brown eyes

From Kathy and Pam and Laverne

I’m from the driven attitudes and over worrying about everything

“Don’t make that face or it will get stuck like that” and

“If you keep screaming I will video it and show all your friends”

I’m from praying every night before bed and a sense of closeness to each other and God

I’m from big cities

Gumbo and red beans

From the crazy family movie nights, late night four wheeler rides in Mississippi,

and laughing until we're crying while listening to childhood stories

Behind the clothes in the closet are boxes filled with photos holding our memories

I am from a family filled with unconditional love and support for one another.