Where Are You From?

HELLO (for the third time) FROM McLEOD GANJ, India!!!

One of the most common questions I get asked as a traveler is: "Where are you from?" Of course, my answer is a simple and confident "New York." However, I have developed a false sense of attachment to, and have attributed too much personal responsibility towards a city which, although I've had a close association with my entire life, has only been a temporary home for 1/25th of my existence. In my opinion, the question "Where are you from?" cannot be answered by identifying an impermanent location, since we all know that my various residences have proven to be far from permanent. Therefore, I have decided to delve further into this question and find out the real source of Daniel Seth Shapiro.

I am from Stephen and Elise Shapiro. I am from a 3-foot snowstorm on a cold December night. I am from Mama Eda and Papa Jack, Mama Kitty and Papa Dave. I am from Gregory Shapiro. I am from 122 Dogwood Lane, Newburgh New York. I am from Brant Lake, NY, Waltham, Mass, Washington, DC, East Village, NYC, and Park Slope, Brooklyn. I am from Tots-N-Us, Horizons-on-the-Hudson, North Junior High School, Newburgh Free Academy, and Brandeis University. I am from a lifetime of playdates with Ross & Lauren, and countless days at my second homes on Summit Ridge Drive. I am from my grandparents' perseverence and wisdom, my parents' guidance and love, and my big brother's enduring ability to always look after his little bro.

I am from Mama Eda's chopped liver, and Mama Kitty's chicken noodle soup. I am from car trips to Waterside and Long Beach, and I am from weekly lunch visits to 451 South Street. I am from 5 Uncles, 3 Aunts, and 5 cousins, and family gatherings around delicious holiday meals replete with time-honored traditions. I am from Lithuania, and I am from Montreal. I am from Judaism: bar mitzvahs, high-holidays, menorahs, matzah, and mezuzahs.

I am from mornings of waiting for the school bus at the bottom of the driveway, parking the Corolla at Mama Kitty's driveway, and dragging myself out of bed to class on the other end of campus. I am from evenings of little league, hebrew school, piano lessons, JCC basketball, and school concerts. I am from years of baseball card collections, games of 'horse' & 'around the world', endless rounds of Nintendo, and baseball catches in the yard---all with the greatest of mentors, my big bro.

I am from summers at Brant Lake Camp, eternally Gray. I am from winters on the Vermont ski slopes, and springs on the Newburgh baseball fields. I am from back-to-school jitters in September, and end-of-school celebrations in June. I am from America, but I am also from abroad: Israel, Scotland, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and now India.

I am from my parents' daily reminder of what love and success truly are. I am from life, and I am from death. I am from happiness, and I am from suffering. I am from the wisdom that we are given the gift of life primarily to show compassion towards others. I am from all of these things and more, and I am excited for what tomorrow will add to this list.

Now, Where Are You From???


Lots of love always!!!