Where I Am From

I am from the little ranch house, by the woods and apple orchards and the little cabin across the street.

I am from the house with the big picture windows and the enchanting weeping willow in the backyard. From the ‘girl’s’ bedroom close enough to hear grandma’s singing as I drifted off to sleep.

I am from peonies and poppies and snowball trees that grandma grew. From the raspberry bushes and rhubarb plants and bowls full of sugar for dipping.

I am from towering oak trees that fill the yard with piles of leaves whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.

I’m from Christmas at grandma’s and grudges and bitterness and unkind words. I am from a mother who couldn’t take it anymore and a dad who was very sad.

I’m from eating a lot and living for self and from talking loud, begging to be heard.

I’m from never measuring up and ‘be a big girl’ and twinkle, twinkle little star.

I’m from birthday cakes and ice cream at every birthday.

I am from Michigan and Poland and Italy, kielbasa and raviolis.

From a broken family that still reels to find love and searches in food, drink and the pleasures of this world, that can never forgive and let that love in.

From boxes of old photos of smiles and pretty clothes and of a little girl who spun and twirled in her Easter best.

I am from swimming all day and running through the woods. From riding bikes and snitching apples.

From the smell of grandma’s perfume and the steps that led to secret treasures.

From raspberry pie and racing to the canned tomato juice. I am from playing with cousins and crack the whip, tag, red rover and kick ball.

I am from the seed of Abraham, a daughter, now, to the King of kings who heals and restores and gives new life.

I am from brokenness but brought out of that darkness, into His marvelous light. I still dance and twirl, but now for my Father who delights in His little girl.

Where are you from? I’d love to hear. If you do this, drop me a line so I can read it?

I first read this over at Ann’s place. She has the link for the template that I used. I had the children do this too, what a treasure. I will post theirs soon.