Courtesy of Ben Painter

I am from trying to stay up late but losing to sleep in my favorite blue arm chair

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I am from tying my skates on brisk winter mornings at the rink

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I am from behind a ruby red door, inside a white picket fence

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I am from snuggling a fishy blanket, that’s as cold as the ocean just before summer.

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I am from sunday lunches at mimas and hospital dinners with mom

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I am from our lonely neighbor Theresa’s homemade Italian meatballs and pitzeles

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I am from the faint smell of my dad’s aftershave from an after school hug

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I am from summers on the cape in a house surrounded by lavender hydrangeas

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I am from lazy day boat rides on lake Winnipesaukee

I am from inside purple walls

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I am from rushing home to never miss a Patriots game

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I am from “you are my sunshine” a phrase spoken by my mom just before bed every night

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I am from every moment that has carried me to this point in time, the difficult, the sad, the joyful and the humorous