Passing Down the Values of Hard Work and Self-Reliance
Growing up amidst the backdrop of white trash and dirt-poor narratives, my dad's tales left an indelible mark on me. With a glass of Scotch in hand, he'd recount his struggles with dire poverty, each story a lesson in resilience and survival. I clung to these narratives like a bee to honey, cherishing them and even recording them for posterity.
Despite not enduring the same hardships, I became his favored child due to my learning and physical disabilities, which he saw as a mark of the underdog. He passed down practical skills, like the fine art of watermelon theft, preparing me for any eventuality. His philosophy was to win at any cost, even if it meant bending the rules, and this mischievous streak found its way into my own life, turning me into a slight troublemaker at times.
Beneath his tough exterior lay a deep-seated fear of falling back into poverty, especially the thought of his children going hungry or cold. Fortunately, we never faced such extreme circumstances, but the lessons in money management and investing were constant themes in our household. It was exhausting to hear them repeatedly, but they were as integral to our daily conversations as discussing the latest movie or sports team.
One day, in a moment of frustration, I assured him of our financial security, only to be met with a stern reminder of the importance of work and self-reliance. According to my social security statement and memory, I started working at the age of 14, a lesson he ingrained in me early on. He emphasized the value of saving and investing, advocating for growth mutual funds and stocks as pathways to ownership in corporate America. Money magazines and literature littered our home, serving as constant reminders of his teachings.
Despite having financial means, he refrained from giving handouts to his children, believing that earning and saving our own money built character and self-reliance. This was our upbringing, a daily discourse as familiar as discussing the weather or current events.
May the echoes of my father's resilience inspire you to embrace challenges, cultivate self-reliance, and forge your own path toward prosperity and fulfillment.
Jason
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