Memories

Moving into the new house, Andy and I jumping up and down as my mother announces her pregnancy. Meghan being born, going to the hospital and getting a Punky Brewster doll.

Family vacations in Florida, fighting with my siblings, eating Pizza Hut pizza and watching lifetime movies. Reading on the terrace enjoying the breeze. Joking with Meghan about tiddleywinks.

Summers at Nipigon, riding bikes, swimming, playing sega, watching old movies, singing at Mr. Egan's, joking around with the Baisch's, drinking milkshakes from Yeck's, movie nights. Drinking with Katie around the bonfire. Playing that Mickey dice game. Little Meghan picking berries. Fighting with Andy (again). Visiting my grandparents, playing 29 black jack with papa, playing trivia games with grandma, Frank Sinatra in the background.

Taking a trip with my mother to Chicago. Riding the train, walking around such a big city (for a little girl), a boat ride. Reading the Enquirer and laughing over its contents. Eating. "That man has a problem."

That first summer in Germany, using the language for the first time. Eating bakery-made bread, taking long walks, partying with new friends. Taking a train to Stuttgart and getting lost. Finding myself in the process.

Meeting the Hagenloch's. Sitting on the couch across from Anke, listening to her talk about life in Germany. Meeting Jenna, playing a game, trying to get her to speak German with me. Treating Luca like an annoying brother. Ana's birth. Being in the hospital the day after she was born. Holding her. Losing my car in the parking lot.

Meeting those German women at the beach, become friends with one of them, visiting them back in Germany. Watching Til Schweiger films and drinking Fraunbier.

A year abroad in Salzburg, coming into my own, beating my anxiety, become more confident in who I am. Traveling the world, meeting new people. Feeling free. Coming home, seeing my family again after so long, getting used to life back in the US.

Leaving again. Wishing I could take everyone with me.