Where I'm From

I am from warm beds, from Crisco Shortening and ball parks.

I am from the back of Shallow Creek, surrounded by the woods, where the creek got dammed every summer.

I am from the persimmon tree and the weeping willow that could be used for a switch.

I am from Sunday fried chicken dinner and premature gray hair, from Grandma, Dad, Uncle Bob and Aunt Donna too.

I am from my "Because I said so" and "Yes, dear that's right."

From no you can't and yes you can.

I am from Mass with class during the week, youth group on Sunday nights and always at 5:30 on Saturday or Sunday morning with family.

I'm from Louisville, Kentucky with a lot of German in me, a bit of Irish, a bit of American Indian an other bits as well.

Derby pies and au gratin potatoes were Mom's specialty but don't ask for much else. But from Dad, whatever you want.

From Christmas Eve when Santa comes to fill the floor with so many presents you can hardly walk in the room. From Christmas Day filled with family, love, roast beef, Aunt Audrey and Dad and a shot or 2 in the kitchen. Pop singing Santa Claus is coming to Town while you sit on his lap. An if you are so very lucky, a soft snow will have fallen and a walk around the block after dinner will take place, with the "men" and children while Christmas carols are sung.

I am from Dad's top drawer, filled with old cards from Father's Day to Birthdays, homemade, then store bought, but never thrown away. From Mom's hatbox overflowing with old pictures, cards, Polaroids, and report cards.

I am surrounded by family found in books and boxes on walls and in frames in many homes.