I am from a small pink room covered in floral wallpaper. From My Little Ponys and sticker books and tennis balls.I am from a full house, laughter, connection, and prayer. I’m from the land of the Kumeyaay people.  I am from the valley, the mountains and the foothills.  I am from geraniums and sea salt air, sunlight and sand.   I am from skits, game nights and big hair.   I am from Stanley and Marie. I am from storytellers, bible teachers and comedians.   I am from “be mindful of others” and “where would we be without you” and “whatever happens keep going.” I’m from nightly prayers and Chronicles of Narnia and summer camps.  I’m from Ireland and Scotland and spaghetti with Ragu and chicken enchiladas. I’m from a house of foreign exchange students with too much cologne. I am from Grandma Florence who generously wrapped $20 bills around Peppermint Pattys on Christmas morning

I am from the wood panel walls lined with framed photos, and boxes now collecting dust in the garage, and funeral slideshows of memories of the past, eulogies and blog posts. I am from the grief that has wrapped up so many old items and placed them away, ashes in vases unsure where to go.