I am from red, candy apple trees,

ones that have grown from birth in our backyard.

I am from Friday night bonfires and family roasts,

since the day I was born.

I am from Deutschland and the boot,

Rouladen and Polenta.

I am from loud, laughing Italians

and serious, stoic Germans.

from Nono, Nona, and Omi.

I am from an immigrant work ethic,

where you are late if you are on time.

From the Golden Rule and

“education can never be taken away” mindset.

From a mother who battled breast cancer,

grandparents who faced cancer,

cancer fought with chemo and radiation,

All having come out the other side.

I am from an international family 

with two Russian siblings, 

Biological mother, father, brother.

I am from a loving family,

who has prepared me to take on the world!