I am from a love filled home.

I am from coming through the front door to my Mom and brother’s love filled hugs.

I am from a caring home where everybody matters to one another.

I am from growing up in Los Angeles. 

I am from Venice Beach Boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier and Brentwood Country Club. 

I am from going swimming in my grandma’s pool. 

I am from my family always being each other’s biggest cheerleaders and joys.

I am from dance parties, games, and art projects.  

I am from playing Rummikub, Scrabble and card games.

I am from a competitive tennis and ping-pong playing family.

I am from chalking the streets of my neighborhood with positive messages and drawings. 

I am from reaching for the stars; 

Sometimes you get to them, sometimes you land on the moon.

I am from a family where education is number one.

I am from going to sleepaway camp for a month every summer. 

I am from playing cello in an orchestra.

I am from my grandparents’ house full of delicious Russian delicacies.

I am from “Eat healthy, and live long.” 

I am from my Mom making scrumptious meals, which take her hours to make.

I am from my Dad making his famous artisanal coffees. 

I am from going on international vacations and trying unique foods.

I am from my very close neighborhoo 

I am from celebrating Shabbat on Fridays,

And Havdalah on Saturdays.

I am from building a sukkah in the backyard for Sukkot,

From seeing the candles shine like stars in the night sky on the Hannukah menorah.

I am from scrubbing the house for Passover.

I am from playing backgammon and charades on Shabbat.

I am from going on hikes in Glen Canyon Park.

I am from being vegetarian.

I am from a nature and animal loving family.

I am from dressing my brother up in ridiculously cute costumes.

I am from making birthday and music videos of my brother.

I am from people asking me “What’s your favorite color?”

To which I always reply “Rainbow.”

I am from people calling me kind, thoughtful, and loving.

I am from supporting my friends.

I am from endless love. 

This is where I am from.