I am from a faithful Anglican Priest lineage
Who married into an equally faithful **“drinking family” (read “Catholic family”)   (** Grandma’s quote in the family lore)

I am from a family with too many children.
I am from hopscotch and foursquare and Jax on the porch. 
I am from a bedtime routine of “Kiss, Eskimo Kiss, Head rub, and a SQUEEZE!!” 

I am from Mystery before I had words to explain. 
I am from Holy Cards, 1st Reconciliation, uniform skirts, nuns and May Crowning. I am from Church with no place for women, and women who still find a way.  I am from Tradition.

I am from corruption by a sexually-curious, more powerful brother.
I am from ‘protectors’ who replied, “You’re only dreaming…”
I am from Resilience. 

I am from unhealthy athletic ‘perfection’.

I am from suspicion until I met Him…and he saw me.
I am from a box of Cracker Jax and a hidden ring. 
I am from (reluctant) Navy Wife,  and the (even more reluctant) Gold Star Widow.

I am from stolen Courage, Advocacy, Witness and Love seeking my own.

I am from Autopilot-Midnight-Nursing, and Barbies ALL day long.

I am from Courthouse Arraignment’s Compassion for a weeping mother and her only son; guilty as charged.

I am from strength, courage and joy for:
3 trusting babies…
curious toddlers…
insecure pre-teens…
spirited adolescents…
successful adults: 
alone to the task but rising to it every day on my knees.

I am from a maturing faith from “God who Protects” to “God who Sustains”.

I am from the Narrow Way

To forgive…to restore…to redeem…albeit imperfectly. 

I am from holding hands with history formed in imperfect love remaining tenaciously hopeful.

I am from Reconciliation, abiding until God’s kin-dom come.

Blessed Be.