I come from a family that’s always there for me,

from spending starry nights on our porch talking with my dad.

From long nights on the couch watching the Brewers game with my dad,

from my brother and I turning our backyard into a baseball stadium.

I come from my father who never let a second go by without letting me know he loves me

I come from classmates who never let up,

from the new bruises on my arms and legs for getting someone out in dodgeball.

From my scars after being told how wrong my brother was for being gay,

from my tears after being told my uncle is going to hell for killing himself.

I come from the long nights in my room crying until I finally fall asleep.

I come from friends who never let me down,

from friends who reach out to me saying it’s going to be okay when nobody else would.

From friends who sit and talk for hours on end even with work the next day, 

from friends who sacrifice weekends to make sure I’m okay

I come from friends who will never leave my side.