I am from a two story house in the suburbs.  From Texas where football reigns and even the nights are humid.

I am from Mary and Hector and an older brother.  From cousins that are as numerous as the stars in the sky.

I am from Saturday morning pancakes and sausage and Sunday night pot roast.   From Raggedy Ann and Andy.  I am from watching football with my brother and father, pacing during Wimbledon and watching Prom Night with my brother.

I am from family vacations, big holiday meals, crazy holiday meals that sometimes have arguments.

I am from ONE. HOLY. CATHOLIC. APOSTOLIC. CHURCH.

I am from what is fair, right and just.

I am from a two week trip from Houston to San Francisco in the car.  Carlsbad, The Grand Canyon, Circus Circus, The Hoover Dam, Disney and getting stuck on the Pinnochio ride.  I am from that crooked street in SF.

I am from canisters of peanut M&M’s, snickerdoodle cookies and the recipe from my mom’s worn out cookbook.  I am from “hell”, but always with a designated driver.

I am from a city where the sky lights up burnt orange, where the stadium is filled and men cry when national championships are won.

I am from adventure, trips for weeks on end by myself.  From meeting people on trains and finding rooms to share, from day trips, from backpacks, from the Plaza in Madrid with sangria and my favorite meal.  From pictures of Madonna and the Holy Child to grand Cathedrals.

I am from friendships that are lasting.  From new friends that show their loyalty.

I am from family.  With a lot of kids and a passionate spouse.  From weekend get aways to reading hours on end.  From mass at 9:30 on Christmas morning to opening presents afterwards.  From a Lent that is meaningful to birthdays with family.

I am from Snoopy, nativity scenes and children’s books.

I am from a family that loved with all it had even when it broke apart.  That family made me who I am.  And most days, I’m okay with who I am.