I am from the family bike rides to the Merton Custard Shoppe
that put smiles on our faces until the end of the day.
I am from building Lego towers with Opa
and planning tea parties with Omi.
I am from the lunch breaks outside prepared by Mom
after “helping” Dad fix up his Jeeps.

I am from the trips to the park with Nana and Papa
that ended with counting the number of cars on the daily train.
I am from stealing a sip from my Dad’s bubbly beer,
and from the chalk towns on the driveway with my brother.
I am from the lemonade stands with Emma and Greta,
and the hours spent writing songs for our band—Crush.

I am from the two hour car rides to our cabin Up North,
and the stops for Friday Night Fish Fry on the way.
I am from the reflection of the moon on the lake
that rippled when we stuck our toes in.
I am from the tears and the smiles of learning to waterski,
and the smoky smell on our clothes after campfires.

I am from my red 1996 Volkswagen Golf
that broke down just as I was running late.
I am from the nights of homework until midnight
that was all worth it to earn my 4.0.
I am from the deafening family game nights
and “You can’t make this stuff up.”

I am from the afternoons spent shopping with Mom
that ended with a delicious trip to Noodles.
I am from the trip to Greece with my sister
where the sun glistened on the beaches and ancient temples.
I am from my childhood full of cheerful memories
that is just the first step of the rest of my journey.