General Discussion

It helps that not only have I been pretty poor at earlier times in my life, but in recent years I've done volunteer work at a local homeless shelter. I help make and serve meals. I do this with a specific faith group. I don't belong to that particular church -- I don't belong to any church -- but some good friends of mine do, and several years ago asked me if I'd like to volunteer with them. I was delighted. What I actually like best is that many of those with that faith group honestly think I'm a member of their church.

I have, as I said above, been pretty poor earlier in my life. When I was a sophomore in high school I had a Saturday babysitting job, and I invariably spent the money on groceries for my family. To me it was unimaginable that I'd spend the money on myself when we desperately needed the food. There five of us kids. Mom was a nurse, and back then nurses didn't make very much money. She took every extra shift she could get, and it still wasn't enough. I also got much needed dental work thanks to a local Catholic charity, and for years after, when I made donations to the United Way, I always earmarked my donation to that specific charity.

I have never been homeless. Not even all that close. Although I suppose I was in reality the proverbial two missed paychecks away from homelessness. As an adult I always had a steady job, so although my income was limited, I never felt as though my situation was precarious.

Those early experiences shaped me, and because of them I appreciate what I have today.