Where I'm from

I am from the hills and the valleys resting by the Pacific Ocean,
A calming, twenty minute drive away from the Golden Gate Bridge.

I am from an athletic father who loves me,
A relentless mother who supports me,
A younger sister who keeps me driven,
And an entire family whom I celebrate with.

I am from a place where friends stand by each other,
And laugh and play from sunset to sunrise,
remembering stories from two, five, even fourteen years ago.

I am from the forgotten and downtrodden softball field,
The sweaty and unforgiving basketball court,
The mountains and valleys open for exploration,
And the chlorinated swimming pools and fresh ocean waters of summer.

I'm from two beautiful counties where sometimes it may be hard to make rent,
But the small boutiques, personable restaurants, socially-oriented people, and the love of nature,
All make it worthwhile.

I am from a place of perseverance,
The place of "I'll never get through this,"
Leads to the space of "Look at everything we've already done".

I am from a place of uncertainty,
But it is only facing the unknown which allows us to see what can be done,
Because of where we are from.