I am from oceans and lakes and mountains and woods.

 

I am from traveling from one home to the next as vacations come and go.

 

I am from boats and barbeques to snowboards and skis, from one spot in New Hampshire to the next.

 

I am from brick fireplaces engulfed with flames and storytelling heard from the couch.

 

I am from the aroma of Yankee Candles – one from every season in which I've bought my mother for Christmas every year.

 

I am from football on Sunday evenings and tables full of each of our favorite foods.

 

I am from the color purple filling every inch of my bedroom.

 

I am from never letting my toes come out of the end of my comforter.

 

I am from Mr. Bunny and Yodels lying ever so graciously upon my bed comforting me late into the night.

 

I am from Zack and then Nahla barking every time I walk out the door protecting me, as if I am one of their own.

 

I am from Barbie dream houses and soccer balls, ballet shoes and cleats.

 

I am from soccer, from basketball, from track & field and more.

 

I am from pickup wiffleball games to capture the flag late into the night.

 

I am from dimples and butt chins that no one will let me live down.

 

I am from a brother who does nothing but love and care for me.

 

I am from Sunday dinners with mom and dad, and DJ occasionally stopping by.

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I am from my mother's apple crisp on a late fall evening before gathering to watch a show.

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I am from being an athlete, a tomboy and a daddy’s girl my whole life.

 

I am from growing up as the only girl around, learning to play tough with the boys.

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I am from “I love you baby girl.”

 

I am from “You are my princess.”

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I am from a hardworking cop and a loving mother whom both show me right from wrong and how to work for what you want.

 

I am from reach for the stars because you’ll always achieve what you strive for.

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I am from never give up.

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 I am from these moments of whom my parents taught me to be.