Who here knows what it's like to go without?

I have experienced just about everything that has been mentioned in this thread. I grew up very poor. My brothers and I also had to wear the same pants more than once in a one week because we didn't have a lot of clothes. We also had our utilities shut off many times, didn't have a vehicle many times, and couldn't participate in a lot of school activities that required money. Once I got older, my mother shared with me how she had to shoplift for baby food and milk when my older brother and I were babies.

Even though we didn't have a lot, my mother always made sure that the few clothes we had were always clean, and we always had food to eat.

Growing up poor has allowed me to appreciate all of the blessings that I have received, and how far I have come. Yes, I am on a VERY tight budget right now, but my childhood and life struggles have made me the strong, independent woman I am today.