Almost every single day, I meet somebody new. I love being able to connect with people and share some aspects of my life with them. One thing though that doesn’t frequently come up is where we come from.

Sure, people usually ask where you’re from. But the answer is as simple as the question. You each name a city and move on. But really, where we come from is one of the most important things about ourselves. Where we’re from has shaped everything about who we are, where we’re going and what we’ll become.

I come from a white house on a winding back road. I come from grass stained knees and dandelion crown making days. I come from swims in the cow tank and muddy wash boots. I come from sharing granola bars with my cows and a dusty straw mow. I come from loving parents and four younger siblings. I come from constant laughter and chocolate chocolate birthday cake. I come from a large family and a sidewalk chalk covered driveway. I come from church on Sundays and milking cows in a stanchion barn. I come from Paoli, Wisconsin.

Where do you come from? What does where you come from say about you? The next time I meet someone new, I hope to really learn about where they come from. Maybe you’ll do the same.