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I am from dog toys scattered around the floor,

Photo albums filled with memories from birth

That are gently placed on their shelves.

I am from the sound of the neighbors dog barking

As it watches a couple go on their morning stroll,

And the smell of backyard barbecues on a warm summers’ day.

I am from the fresh smell of potato latkes cooking on the stove

when Hanukkah rolls around, and the sound of the oven ding

When the fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are done.

I am from “I love you to the moon and back”

And “Did someone feed the dog tonight?”

I am from Deborah and Rick Keating,

Grandma Linda, Grandpa Howard,

And Grandma Nancy,

or as we like to call her, “Fancy Nancy.”

All of which are my role models.

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I am from fashion like fancy Nancy, stuffed animals who gave me comfort and endless nights of playing Mario cart with my siblings until 3 am

To all the dog toys that are scattered across the living room floor

As well as many baking tools in the kitchen for a competition showdown between my forever build in best friends

I am from a suburban neighborhood in walking distance from Henry the horse that would devour my delicious carrots every time

The noise of young bright minds giggling while playing kickball in the cul-de-sac with the hopes of hearing the cheerful sound of the palagis ice cream truck

The brisk fresh air filling my nose as I am racing down the hill to catch my dog who has a tendency to explore way too far

I am from an overwhelming number of empanadas and bunuelos Friday afternoons

To Sunday brunch after Church with loads of fruit and turkey bacon on my plate

Along with the crust from fried green beans all over mouth

I am from “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things,” "Failure doesn't mean you are a failure it just means you haven't succeeded yet,” and  “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”

I am from Glenda and Hugo

Coming from a long line of healthcare workers, dentists, and doctors

My lovely godmothers who are just as into fashion as I am

I am blessed to be a part of such men and women who chase their lifelong desires

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I am from books piled around the house

Dog toys torn apart in the family room

An endless array of instruments that fill the walls with sound

I am from the sound of cars in a rush to work

The neighborhood dogs holding neverending conversation

The smell of fire pits all year round

I am from swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes

Chicken parm and any pasta dish you can name

Gathered for dinner around the TV because the Bruins are playing or the bachelor is on

I am from “who's gonna get up and put the dogs out”

“What should we watch tonight”

“Please don’t come home late” (a mom favorite)

I am from Marna and John

Julia and Andrew

Soph and Lucy

Katherine and Mary

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I am from photo albums, books, and a collection of animals, a loud house full of laughter and memories, represented

through antique trinkets.

I am from 2 homes special in their own way. A house surrounded by neighbors and childhood friends and a house deserted and peaceful with a crowing rooster in the morning. Both enhanced with the smell of fall leaves and crisp air, the fresh fall of snow with an eagerness to ski. Sounds of my dad's Keurig every morning and my sister's laughter.

I come from a Sunday breakfast of egg sandwiches and griddle pancakes,

my dad's eggplant parm, my mimi’s homemade cakes and cookies for birthdays and holidays. I am from my mom's adventurous recipes never repeated and a

simple pasta with marinara dinner.

I am from my dad's favorite sayings be friends with everyone and life's not fair.

My moms, you try it you like it and use your manners.

I am from Crystal and Ed, Mimi and Poppy, Paka and Kay, Sophia and Cara

Lisa and Timmy, and Birdie and Romeo.

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I am from hockey gloves, basketballs, and golf clubs for the sports and activities that my dad taught us to play,

Oven mitts, cookie sheets and recipes that my mom graciously showed us how to use,

Board games, card games, and Wii games played with my older brother who did not take it easy on me,

And dog hair, toys, and treats for the furry friends that romped around our home like they owned it.

I am from kayaks and paddleboards at the pond that was a minute walk away,

The crunching, colorful leaves beneath my Bean Boots on the walk from the bus,

The sounds of my dogs howling together like a chorus of bad singers,

And my icy, steep driveway in the winter that everyone has fallen down at least once in their life.

I am from jambalaya, Nana’s rice, double stuffed potatoes,

Pasta with butter and parmesan almost every day,

Mom’s famous ice cream cake for my birthday,

And Ruffles chips with french onion dip and more chips and more dip.

I am from “suck it up” but “I love you”,

My parents calling me “Sunshine”, “Princess”, “Bunny”

My family poorly singing songs from “Brick House” to Pitch Perfect Riff Offs,

And endless “what”s and “when”s and “where”s and “why”s and “how”s.

I am from my mom, Meredith,

My rock,

My dad, John,

My laughter,

My brother, Stephen,

My ally.

I am from a family of non-conventional heroes,

My heroes.

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I am from music, guitars, and keyboards,

nightly choir rehearsals and loud car rides,

Dixie Chicks and The Cranberries,

Taylor Swift and The Beatles,

All at full volume while singing and relaxing around our little world.

I am from loud neighbors, and huge trees,

Bright white snow on the front lawn and snowmen,

giant shirts, flooded streets and dancing in the rain,

Wednesday night pizza and Sunday night canasta.

I am from orange juice and scones,

tea parties and game day foods,

chicken paprikash on birthdays with hand picked raspberry cake for dessert,

and pizza from Hopkinton, Westerly, Warwick, and Pawcatuck.

I am from “Here is twenty dollars to be your favorite Uncle”,
“No matter what as long as you’re happy” when talking about my future,

and “eat the licorice jelly beans first” when I have to admit to something bad,
I am from “adults get the seats first” unless you are small enough to fit in between.

I am from Emily and Dan,
Heather and John,
Isabella Louise and Margaret Ann

Hungarians and Irish,
Hot heads and hippies,

The nicest gossips and the most distracted,
I am from the loyal and the passionate.