I am from

...Okay. I'll jump on the bandwagon. But beware. Poetry is NOT my thing. If that's what this is. Seriously...not my thing. You can blame Jane.




I am from wood paneled station wagons, from Tasty Marshmallow Krispies, Up and Down the River, Little Big Man, The Last Unicorn, and vacations to wide sandy beaches with nothing to do but be together.

I am from many different houses, each filled with the smells of cooking and artwork created by an uncle, clean and fresh, comfortable furniture and no forbidden rooms.

I am from window boxes full of annuals and houseplants with Proper Person names.

I am from never-ending game playing and straight brown hair with hazel eyes, from Laliberte's and Borchers's and Welch's and Brodeur's.

I am from the passive aggressive and teasing, non-confrontational and forgiving, welcoming and never ever forgetting.

From you are the most beautiful girls in the world and I'm going to put a brick on your head and I picked out a great dad for you and I first fell in love because your mother was so beautiful.

I am from CCD and sacraments and a kind nun and intimidating priests and trying to make each other laugh in mass and praying the rosary when someone is sick.

I'm from Ohio, French stuffing, lace cookies, and mushrooms that are great on steak or with turkey.

From the Pepere who was an orphan at 16 with 4 younger siblings he managed to keep together, the uncle who asked me why I was wearing a bra when I clearly didn't need one, a twin cousin who stole my name ;), and the amazing love stories and examples of true, sustaining, thick-and-thin marriages.

I am from photo albums in basements, tea cups from my Memere, odds 'n' ends hand-me-downs loaded with memories, and anecdotes of family history never told the same way twice.

From much love, stability, and easy to be taken for granted.