I’m from Lake Wallenpaupack, north of a two-thousand foot mountain.

I’m from loving the cold.

I’m from chanting “Paupack Pride” every Friday night, and hearing On Wisconsin played by the school marching band.

I’m from parasailing on the third largest lake in Pennsylvania.

I’m from clearing a path through the snow for your car before going to school.

I’m from driving 20 miles to the closest store.

I’m from being surrounded by forests.

I’m from cool summers and cold winters.

I’m from enjoying peace and quiet.

I’m from laying on the roof, relaxing, enjoying the summer sun.

I’m from sitting, wrapped in a warm blanket, talking to my best friends over XBOX, or Skype during blizzards.

I’m from sitting on my porch, playing guitar for hours on end, often to get a single lick right.

I’m from creating stupid things with my friends, like a bike with skis on it to take down the ski slopes.

I’m from eating the best chicken parmesan that I have ever tasted.

I’m from not caring what people think.

I’m from The Dark Side of the Moon.

I’m from knowing that two of the most important things in life are friends and family.

Michael Gorman