I’m very thankful for the way I grew up.
It wouldn’t be for everybody that’s for sure.
But, I was lucky to have a good family and our upbringing prepared myself and others for the life I lead today. All of us just weren’t all that well off. My father was a full time teacher and my mom was a homemaker who did some part time stuff once the two of us were outdated enough. However, what they lacked in currency they more than made up for with love. Our home didn’t have much in the way of new Heating, Ventilation and A/C. In fact, the two of us had a wood stove for heat and an evaporative cooler for the Summer heat. The wood stove did just wonderful as the Winter time didn’t require much more of a heating method. However the Summer was another set of circumstances. The heat in that region was intense and I made every excuse I could to stay with a neighbor on the weekend to get some legitimate Heating, Ventilation and A/C cooling. Interestingly enough, our parents still live in that house. Dad is retired and mom still does a bit of part time work just to stay active. Somehow, they are still dealing with the Summer heat with the swamp cooler. That is until our siblings and I saved up enough cash to surprise them with numerous ductless heating & cooling units. At this point, Dad doesn’t have to worry so much with the wood all winter. And both of them can now relax in the cooling comfort of their current air conditioner. They were so surprised to get this that our dad was moved to tears. That was a sight. But it was nothing compared to all the appreciation they gave us in that house.