Where I'm From

I am from orange drapes, linoleum, and station wagons, from Oscar Mayer and chocolate milk.

I am from the house with big trees and the chain link fence, where neighborhoods are parishes and alleys are bike trails.

I am from the old oaks and maples, the backyard garden, and stony creek.

I am from great family reunions and road trip vacations, from Lottie and Fran and Uncle Curly.

I am from the family of big laughs and strong faith.

From corny jokes and good music.

I am from saints and incense and big wooden pews, from sisters with rulers and rosary beads.

I'm from the windy city and the hills of the south, from frozen cake and christmas lasagna.

From the midwife, the salesman, and the sailor.

I am from folding chairs in the park,old family photos, homemade meals, and love. I am from the courage of immigrants, the strength of factory workers, the wisdom of teachers, and the tradition of motherhood. I couldn't imagine being from anywhere else.

This was a neat writing exercise I did this morning. I liked the way it turned out so I thought I'd share it here. If you're interested in writing one of your own, look here: http://www.swva.net/fred1st/wif.htm

Besides bringing me back, writing this also makes me look forward. I wonder how my children's WIF's will look when they're old enough to write one... I hope they'll share it with me.