I am from sidewalk chalk and sunshine

I am from long summer nights with the people I love

I am from swimming in cool, clear beach waters

I am from sitting at night by fires as warm as hot cocoa on a cold winter’s morning

Running around through the grass with friends like a flying bumble bee

Bright smiles and arms wrapped around each other

Young, happy, and free.

I am from holding my mother’s hand before we cross the street

I am from cuddling up with my dad on the couch while we watch our favorite T.V. show

Fun trips to the park on the weekends, oh how excited I would be each time we went

Laughing together with smiles on our faces as bright as the vibrant yellow sun above us

Looking up at my parents, our hearts full of love for each other

Young, happy, and free

Longing to grow up with my eyes full of hope and promise for the future

“Daddy, I want to be just like you when I grow up,” I tell my dad.

“Honey, you are going to grow up to be a strong, beautiful girl, just like you are now. Just how you always will be,” he remarks with a smile. “But no growing up yet.”

“Daddy, no matter how old I get I think I’m always gonna need you,” and I hug my dad like I never plan to let go

‘My heart full of love, hopes, and dreams for the rest of my life ahead of me

Little did I know I was already living some of the best moments of my life

Young, happy, and free

I am from sitting in the camper playing card games with my older brother

Him letting me win each time just to make his little sister happy

I am from running into my mother’s arms as soon as I get home from school

I am from hopping onto my bike with eagerness to go meet up with my friends

Riding around together like the racecars we imagined we were in our heads

Going on adventures exploring the woods, curious of the big world around us

Holding hands and smiles across our faces

No fears holding our young hearts back

Only love, hopes, and dreams

Young, happy, and free