My "I Am From..." Essay

Mary at Owlhaven is hosting a little contest. She's giving away a book to the best essay on "I am From...".
And I'm kinda last minute here, because it's only open until noon today.
And I'm probably not a good enough writer anyway. I've read some of the others and they are just awe-inspiring! But I'm going to try anyway.
Mainly because I miss my parents. Nothing makes you want to call your Mommy more than a good "memory" session. :D
So here goes...

I AM FROM...

I am from the ocean. Every day the weather allowed.

Commercial fishing with my father and learning from him.

Seaweed, Seabirds; the constant danger of being "sprinkled"...

(if you know what I mean!)

I am from dairy farmers. The ever-present odor of manure

fresh cream, cowbells, milking time and haying season.

Baby sister banging away on the metal tray of the high chair

as I chased the already-been-milked cows out the barn door.

I am from strict independent Baptists. Setting the community example;

never, ever working on a Sunday. No drinking,

no dancing, church three times a week unless you were

throwing up or running a fever.

I am from an everybody-knows-yer-bizness small town.

45 kids in my high school graduating class. I was 13th.

Middle of the road ~ don't try too hard if you can "skate" through.

"Janean could do SO much better if she would just

apply herself" on EVERY. SINGLE. report card.

I am from Mom cooking, baking, sewing, canning.

I am from sometimes eating potatoes or Top Ramen with Spam

because that's all we had.

I am from unconditional love and Mom reading her Bible

every. single. morning.

I am from Dad working where ever he could to support us.

Being SO happy when he came home. Sometimes we

didn't see him for a few months.

That's when I learned that my Mother was human.

I am from being the "big sister" ~ three younger sisters to watch...

and to lead into temptation. And to mercilessly tease.

They could run faster...but their downfall came

when they slowed down to look back.

I am from faith; bad things happen, people die,

we don't knowing where the next meal is coming from ~ BUT

God will provide! And He will be with me always...

No matter how hard life hits.