I am from a deck of cards
From cleaning supplies and
I am from the big yellow
warm and safe home
I am from the garden
The oak tree in the backyard
Whose long gone limbs I remember
As if they were my own.

I’m from racing and competitiveness
From my mom and dad
I’m from cleaning and organizing
And from cooking.

I’m from “stand up straight” and “be kind to others”
And “treat others the way you want to be treated”
I’m from small vacations in the midwest
I’m from Iowa and Ireland
Pork chops and mint ice cream
From being together everyday
Excitement and joy all around
The pictures
In the memory books
Will be treasured forever.