Quote:
Originally posted by 89blkcivic
Serious discussion, eh? OK........
Turning 50 this month. I grew up in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. One block from Main and Hastings. Lived there for 16 years. My parents worked very hard to get the family out of poverty. I never saw my father much because he was always at work, but my mom did everything she could to keep me out of gangs and in school, while working every day in a real shitty job. Anyway, we made it out of that neighbourhood - an experience I will never forget. Presently, I am married with three grown up children. I live in an upper middle class neighbourhood in North Langley. I just finished paying off my mortgage. Did this on a single income. I took on two jobs and never took a vacation in 26 years. Well....... I lied. I went to Drumheller with the kids when they were young (grades 1 - 6). Went on a long weekend. One day to get there, one day to see everything, and one day to get back. Now that I've paid off my mortgage, I'm going to live it up a bit. I quit the second job two years ago. Got 8 more years before retirement. I will start collecting pension from the company pension plan at that time, then Canada pension on top at that at 65. I live my life through my children. Sounds dumb, but it's great. My children got to do stuff I never even dreamed about when I was their age. My eldest son (number 1 son) is in 4th year at SFU. My daughter is in2nd year at SFU, and my youngest is still in secondary school.
When I retire, I plan to drive across this great country of ours. "Confederation Bridge, here I come!"
Edit: Best thing about growing up poor is I can lose everything today and know how to survive. I also learned to appreciate everything I have.
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Thats actually very touching. Kind of similar to my family but my moms side imigrated from China to Kelowna like 50 years ago lol. Had me when they live in chinatown area and gradually worked their asses off and move up. I've probably moved like 8-10 times already. lol
Kinda makes you realize everything your parents try and do for you during the "struggle". Alot of the priveledged kids nowdays don't understand how hard their parents worked for them.
anyways thats my rant