I am from sweaty work socks to steel toe reinforced work boots
callused hands from long day’s work
from a hard working soul...who is my father.

I am from hearing “measure twice cut once...”
precision and accuracy
from a skilled laborer...who is a loving father.

I am from a college graduate earning a business degree,
a blood clotting disorder, four strokes and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome,
from a strong woman...who is my mother.

I am from from hearing “everything will be fine...”
Nurturing words and a wise woman,
from a tough fighter...who is a remarkable mother.

I am from Waukesha Memorial Hospital on November 29, 1999,
three months premature...death during birth
Born from one pound, four ounces...who is a survivor.

I am from a diagnosis of ADHD,
hearing “stay focused,”
tasks haunting me...
From “stop tapping to “stop shaking”... this is who I am!