I am from chalk drawings on the sidewalk, Barnum’s animal crackers crunching in my mouth, and sleepovers at Grandma’s where nothing seemed to matter at all.
I am from Cool Whip plopped into a bowl, anxiously waiting to be eaten as a delicious after-school snack.
I am from summer days at Lake Hartwell where the sun always seemed to be able to brighten any unhappy soul.

I am from made-up childhood games that were played in times of boredom.
From days where Capture the Flag seemed to be the only medicine that could successfully cure my problems.
From Gabby stumbling and busting her lip open while performing our version of the “sock game” that seemed to change things forever.

I am from pretending to be a ballerina floating on thin ice, as quiet as a mouse.
From pink tutus and ballet slippers making the swiftest movements along the stage.
From Olivia acting like my dance partner as we tangoed across the living room floor.

I am from unattractive, beastly, dark scars that would unravel all the events from my past if you read them, always being the silly one, and those days where I felt like a rock star.
I am from climbing the huge tree in my front yard that seemed to have no limit until I “flew” out.
I am from long nights of happy laughter, loving family, great friends, and gooey s’mores that seemed to always venture from the plate to my mouth very quickly.

I am from the mix of grainy sand and salty water of Panama City Beach soaking into my skin allowing me to feel as if I belonged.
From the millions of holes created while looking for “treasure”.
From Mom singing my name forcing me to come up from the beach and my legs following her voice even though my mind didn’t want to.

I am from the sweet sound of my ballerina jewelry box.
From its soft, easeful tune pouring out, filling my ears as I opened it to touch my diamonds and pearls.
From the dream of being a ballerina finally turning into reality.

I am from 4th of July snapshots where we expressed our love for freedom, concentrating on the click of Aunt Deanna’s needles as I tried to follow her every movement, and fun clubhouses where our imaginations ran wild.
I am from the smell of old wood, chicken, and green beans as I took those first few steps into Grandma’s house.
I am from trying to escape those hot summer days where the sun seemed to never disappear by licking the melting drops off the side of my grape popsicle.


I am from “Tylsie Wylsie” being able to brighten up any day, Barbies and Polly Pockets sprawled across the floor begging to be played with, and purple bedroom walls that enclosed all my biggest secrets.
I am from three siblings, four dogs, and three cats that sometimes just needed an off button.
I am from late night barbeques on the beach accompanied by close family friends where there was enough love to be served to everyone.

My memories are like photographs and my life is the album.
It’s full of smiles, laughter, and tears, but most of all, the people I love.
All the pieces fit together perfectly to make a great page-turner.