I am from every goodnight kiss,

and late night bedtime story.

I am from every I love you and I’m proud of you.

I am from the shores of lake erie,

where I would spend the days fishing with my father.

I am from the mall

where I spent countless hours shopping with my mother.

I am from every outdoor adventure with my sister.

I am from fireworks and firefly catching.

I am from Igloos in the snow,

and leaf piles in the fall.

I am from capture the flag,

and the once beloved bunny catching club.

I am from the branches of the old oak,

that sits behind my house.

I am from frequent trips to cincinnati,

to visit distant family.

I am from the couch at my grandmas,

where i'd sit and watch scooby doo.

I am from a blue collar family,

that believe in hard work and dedication.

I am from early morning gymnastics practice,

and late nights finishing homework.

I am from stuffed animals and baby dolls.

I am from braces and makeup.

I am from every “dont tell mom”,

And every sibling rivalry.

I am from the ruins of every heartbreak,

and every goodbye.

I am from every human i've encountered, every emotion, and every experience

all compiled into one beating heart.