Where I’m From

Last week, I attended Storyline Conference. I met some incredible people, and made new friendships. I heard from inspirational speakers like Don Miller, Shauna Niequist, Bob Goff, Jeremy Cowart, Miles Adcox, Justin Skeesuk + Patrick Gray, Mike McHargue, and Allison Vesterfelt.

 

In Allison’s breakout session, she challenged all writers to take some time to reflect on their past, and turn the memories into a poem based on George Ella Lyon‘s poem, Where I’m From.

I spent some time thinking about my childhood. I grew up with two sets of parents, and in my poem, I wove the two homes together.

Here is my version:

---

Where I’m From

I am from gatherings around the dinner table

from Cooking Light Magazine

and Diet Mountain Dew.

 

I am from chicken broccoli casserole

and flourless chocolate cake

from penne pasta and twizzlers.

 

I am from “You’re grounded!”

and “Get up–you’re going to be late for school!”

I am from “Let’s go to the beach at 10 am.”

I am called “Ali Oopie.”

 

I am my mother’s daughter:

thoughtful and hospitable

a baker, note-writer, and gift-giver

sensitive and caring.

 

I am from hot cocoa with big marshmallows

from Field of Dreams and Back to the Future

I am from homemade pizza and carrot cake

from french toast and Lyle’s golden syrup.

 

I am from “the Geech Monster,”

and “Stop teasing your sister!”

I am called “Honey Bear.”

 

I am my father’s daughter:

silly, yet serious

loving and determined

a singer, and deep thinker.

 

I am from East Michigan.

I am from West Michigan.

I am from divorce, and remarriage, and beloved siblings.

I am from blended love–beauty, hope, and amazing grace.

---

Allison reminded me that the most painful thing we lose touch with is our own voice. Our voice is inside us, and it is important to reconnect with it. When we find ourself, we have found our voice.

Have you lost your voice? Have you lost yourself? Dig deep into the depths of your heart, and seek to remember who you are, and where you came from.