I loved reading this. My story is different, but similar. I grew up in a working class immigrant family in New York City. We were poor, but we didn't realize we were, if that makes sense. In a lot of ways it's like we were total opposites, but in other ways - I also had to figure out how to make things work despite very few resources. Not everyone gets it.

I love how you used your own creativity to solve problems and how you carry those lessons with you today. Reading your story made me happy and inspired me.

My only problem with your story - you are NOT trash. I hate the word trailer trash because I don't think anyone is trash simply because they live in a trailer. I've known many "rednecks" and other people that society looks down on and sometimes those are the kindest, most "real" people.

One of my best friends is an older lady who grew up in the country without a bathroom - they used an outhouse. She had to work very hard to survive a tough childhood, but is one of the sweetest, most optimistic people I know. It's sorta humbling.