WHERE I'M FROM

 I am from teacups with saucers, from Pantry cookies, and an old Magic Baking Powder tin full of buttons.

I am from so many different houses-- in East LaHave, Whynott's Settlement, New Minas-- but they all had flowers of some kind, and they all smelled like home.

I am from the cherry tree on Shamrock Drive, the heavy-laden blackberry bushes so covered with ants I ran screaming to the house.

I am from Alabaster and Welsh, family house parties, and the set-mouth stubborness from Nanny.

I am from the strength of those who rose to the occasion, doing what needed to be done, and a love of the ocean.

From "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" and "Go play on the 101" and “this too shall pass”

I am from the United Church of Canada. Explorers. This is My Father's World. Now I am from Bible Baptist. Born-again. Saved by grace. Standing on the promises.

I'm from London, Ontario, fishing villages in Newfoundland, Lunenburg County, and England;  ham and scalloped potatoes, and lunenburg pudding.

From the black lab, Trixie, who would let only me near her new pups when I was 3, the same dog who barked at the end of the driveway to warn my grandmother that I was too close to the road which resulted in my being tied thereafter to the clothesline, and my Uncle Vince, who taught me to braid on his beard.

I am from the plastic tote box in my basement, where memories are stored in wait for retelling. Priceless moments in time, of family and friends, of those here to reminisce and those long gone.