By Peg Devlyn
(In collaboration with Kendra Roby)
I am from cobblestones and street lights and china dolls.
I am from spaghetti lovers and bowls of Oreos.
I am from the dogwood tree and the sound of horses on the street.
I am from the trolley my mother drove and the carousels she let me ride.
I am from Cody, the family dog.
I am from the 12 x 16 frame in my dining room.
I am from the German bakery and Breyers ice cream signs seen at every corner,
from pretzel makers and mustard on my coat
I am from moments of clarity that redirected my life.
In particular, I think of the time when my business partners and I said,
“Let’s get out of here.”
And we did!
I am from the furniture polish and new paint smell.
I am from “waste not, want not.”
From the way I understand Christianity,
and the kind of giving it requires.
I am from Evlyn and Pat,
my two baby sisters who taught me everything.
I am from my grandchildren and their accomplishments.
I am from growing up in Philadelphia.
I am from good memories!
4/15/11