I am from learning the saying “Lynn Lynn, City of Sin: you never go out the way you came in” at five years old. 

I am from bare feet on hot cement in the summertime.

From playing in the stream of water from a hose on hot days. 

From ‘Scott’s famous cookouts’ with 50 people I’d never met and “Wow, you’re so big, I remember when you were just a baby.” 

I am from church basements that have that smell and the serenity prayer. 

From drawing next to a parent or playing in the foyer while chips are handed out. 

I am from the smell of cigarettes and the sound of gunshots. 

I am from singing and laughing a little too loudly. 

I am from assorted jelly beans and spoonfuls of peanut butter. 

From “Act your age, not your shoe size” and the five second rule. 

I am from microwavable corn dogs and Werther’s in every bag.

I am from making shmores’ in the fireplace and kugel. 

From observing the people on the beach through binoculars. 

I am from the Y and playing mermaids in the pool. 

From the swingset and bike week. 

I am from tracing tattoos and “No, it’s classic rock weekend.” 

I am from being woken by a specific song for daddy-daughter time too early in the morning. 

From cups of dry cereal and playing with the other kids in the ‘projects’. 

I am from “Can Faith come out to play?” and hikes through the secret passage. 

I am from police sirens and “One, two, three all eyes on me.” 

From going to church in the church van and knowing all the people there. 

I am from the Greg House and Dum Dums. 

I am from temporary tattoos and breaking the rules. 

I am from millions of connections and feeling like I know the whole world. 

I am from every other weekend and therapy at seven years old. 

I am from giving to the homeless and “We’re going to a meeting.” 

I am from listening to adult conversations and being scared to walk outside at night. 

I am from the place where community and violence thrives, the place where diversity flourishes.