I am from lights on the Christmas tree,
and homemade ornaments from Xmas ‘96
I am from space to run and play in a wide open back yard
I am from the forever tall tree where we were explorers and fairy tale characters
I am from gag gifts and hot headed family debates
a made up language made to fool my grandmother
I’m from home movies and singing to daddy with my sister
From bed time stories and “shhhh the birdies are sleeping!”
From “eat your vegetables!” and snuggling with rainbow bear
I’m from froofy church dresses and Jesus loves me this I know
From Minnesota accents to Wisconsin traditions
From home cooked meals of baked chicken and lefsa to gunk
From Claire bear entertaining the family and “that kid should have her own show.”
From an old fashioned Italian Christmas at Aunt Patty’s
From my favorite purple sweater Mom’s kept all these years
From pictures that bring us back to “remember when…?”
From times that hold us together as we grow farther apart in distance
yet closer in heart