I Am From...(by way of Mary at Owlhaven)

I am from Butternut Bread and Koeze's peanut butter. From the local grocery store, the hardware store at the end of the street, the neighborhood barber, the shoe store with the great July sales, the pharmacy with rootbeer popcicles.

I am from the white house with gray trim shaded by box elder trees and the same neighbors for decades. Cleanliness, orderliness, the smell of Tide on Monday and line dried sheets snapping in the breeze. I'm from home cooked meals together every night at 5:oo.

I am from lilies of the valley, lilac bushes and climbing roses. The garage dad and grandpa built where the cherry trees used to be. A gate to swing on, trees to climb and lots of skates with keys.

I am from summer picnics at the lake and the entire family gathered for Christmas. From Auke and Jantze; John. From Bert and Vivian; Alice. From John and Alice; me.

I am from windmill cookies, strong coffee and quiet strength.

I am from "Get your work done first." and "I'm here all day, why do you only need to talk to me when I'm on the phone?".

I am from prayer before and after every meal. I'm from Bible reading after breakfast and supper. I am from going to church whenever the doors were opened. I'm from the people who opened the doors.

I am from West Michigan. I am from Ireland by way of the potato famine. I am from The Netherlands by threat of war.

I am from homemade potato salad and baked beans. I am from pastle colored Tupperware bowls of popcorn eaten while Ernie Harwell announced the Tiger game.

I am from the three year old boy who watched his older brother fall through ice and drown. I'm from a family forever altered by grief. I am from the premie twin who wasn't expected to survive infancy.

I am from the pictures on the mantle, the canvas painting, the luncheon set, and the panoramic picture of the Sunday School picnic.