I am from dusty, old law books, from wicker baskets and dominos.

 

I am from the red brick and blue, balloon-filled sky.

 

I am from the pine trees, the crisp St. Augustine grass.

 

I am from gumbo on New Year’s and early risers, from Papa and Lilianna and Swayde.

 

I am from the summer-time fishing and Saturday morning tennis.

 

From “Eat your broccoli” and “Novys never quit.”

 

I am from Catholicism and dependability.

 

I'm from Longview and Czechoslovakia, etouffee and kolaches.

 

From the Labor Day slot machine jackpot, the pinewood derby with Pop, and the Hope Open father-son championship.

 

I am from family memories decorating the walls of the dining room where many of life’s most underrated lessons are shared.