Don’t think I have told this story on here before, but here it goes:It’s a character builder, maybe the best one. I have known hard working, honest, dignified poor.
At the start of my life, I was born into a middle class family and lived that way until I was about 12 years of age. My Mom and Dad got divorced. That left my Mom (God rest her soul) to raise 2 boys. Our lifestyles changed very quickly, things were turned upside down.
We ended up moving to another town. The only place we could afford at the time were the “white” housing projects. Things were tough back then.
My Mom became a waitress and saved until we could get out and into a better place. She busted her butt, which I am very thankful for.
We stayed in the projects for about 3 years, what an education/experience.
A trailer park back then would have been an improvement over the housing projects. The change was definitely an eye opener for me/us compared to where we were.
I know what it’s like to be poor and think everybody should be that way at least once in their lifetime.You definitely learn a lot.
I say all of this with pride and not embarrassment. I wouldn’t change anything if I could, it made me who I am today. It certainly teaches you some values & life lessons.
I’ve told this before & will tell it again.
My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, I was obviously on my own back then. So I worked and sent myself through. It took about 6 years, but I did it without any help or loans.
As you already know, we have now sent two girls through college (the last one finishes in a few months)………and did so without any loans I am proud to say.
I am lucky to be where I am today, but sometimes you make your own luck….it was probably a combination of both for me.
So again, I do understand both sides of the fence…….you’re a good man.
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