I AM FROM...

I am from riding my banana seat bike all over my small town without a care in the world, so much that it required duct tape. I am from jump roping for hours on end. I am from listening to the Bay City Rollers album and moving the needle to the same song over and over….listening to George Jones, Merle Haggard, Conway and Loretta with my dad. I am from the same town my parents were raised, met, dated, and later married in. I am from a mom that spoiled me to the point no one could stand me. I am from watching The Incredible Hulk and Hee Haw while sitting right beside my dad in his chair. I am from a new three bedroom house in the perfect neighborhood with a typical family of four to a single dad raising his girls in a trailer park that I considered an adventure. I am from crying for my mom at night and wishing things were different.
I am from hiding in a tree as my step -mom called my name over and over as I pretended not to hear her. I am from Tuf -nut boy jeans that my dad bought me at the local Dry Goods store. I am from playing Dukes of Hazzard with my cousins, getting dirty, and refusing to take a bath.
I am from hating to hunt wild mushrooms with my dad and sister but loving to eat them. I am from doughnuts and chocolate milk on Saturday mornings while watching cartoons. I am from bunk beds and sharing a room with my sister and making her life miserable. I am from Christmas morning suprises, blueberry muffins on Sunday mornings after sleepovers on Saturday nights. I am from playing softball every summer. I am from countless sunburns from ball tournaments, swimming, and just being outside. I am from begging someone to play catch with me. I am from eating dinner at the table every night but having to clean up the mess afterwards and glad I had to. I am from grocery shopping with my step-mom every Friday night. I am from a Little Debbie cabinet in our kitchen that everyone knew about after school. I am from never feeling hungry and not being grateful. I am from always wanting more.
I am from dad’s blue eyes, and mom’s fair skin. I am from a kiss from my dad as soon as he got home from work and before he went to bed. I am from Don Gideon, my provider and stability. I am from Diana Cole, a loving mom with regrets. I am from Connie Gideon, a step-mom who tried to love me as her own even though I made it hard on her. I am from my older sister who I didn’t know I loved until she got married and left our home and now I couldn’t live without her. I am from my little sister who called me “sissy Donna” and saw me as her hero.
I am from countless aunts and uncles with a special memory of each one. I am from one town filled with best friends forever, friends that came and went and dreams of making my life better than it was and not knowing it was already good.
I am from the watching North and South over and over again.
I am from legwarmers and mini skirts and aqua net hairspray. I am from playing Uno, Sorry and Monopoly and not liking to lose.
I am from freedom my dad gave me because he trusted me and getting to spend countless nights with my friends. I am from not wanting to disappoint my dad. I am from not being told no but always wanting more.
I am from special weekends at my moms and wishing we had more time together.
I am from every vacation bible school in town, riding to church with friends until I could drive myself. I am from hearing “I had a good head on my shoulders and a bright future.” I am from parents who believed in me no matter what.
I am from an over-active mind. I am from analyzing my life, people and God. I am from questioning everything and always wanting more.
JEAN 2