by Nanette Piotrowski

Created on: November 24, 2011

One of the things you learn about growing up in poverty is how to be extremely frugal and it is something that stays with you your entire life. There is no such thing as waste. You will find that people who are in poverty were probably the first recyclers. As an example; if a huge pot of chili was prepared, there was nothing left and the cans that the beans and tomatoes came in were now used to hold: marbles, buttons, nails or screws.

Groceries, while not of the best nutritional value, would make multiple meals and nothing was thrown away and there was certainly no turning up your nose and saying, "I don't like that" or "I want something else." You didn't like what was being served, you didn't eat.

There was no such thing as an allowance. As soon as you were able (about age 11), you were hired out to work. Whether it was the boys to the local farmers or the girls as babysitters and the money you earned was put into the kitty for the whole family. There wasn't a discussion about 'This is my money to do with what I want'. That money went to buy groceries or gas in the car so Dad could go to work.

Clothing was something you passed down from one child to the next. There were no new clothes every season or every year. Clothes and shoes were taken care of to last as long as possible.

If newer clothing was necessary, Mom either made it or there was a trip to the local Goodwill and that would consist of a couple of pairs of pants and three or four blouses or shirts. My wedding dress when I was 24 was from Goodwill and my mother made the veil and it was beautiful.

There was no dining out, going to the movies or buying toys. For entertainment you played Hopscotch or tag. You used a branch as your horse and your thumb and finger as your gun to play cowboys. You used your imagination.

Christmas consisted of hand-made items of whatever you thought the person would like. No trips to the malls or chain stores. Cards were made from paper sacks (that the groceries came in) that you designed and said what came from your heart.

Yes, growing up in poverty was no fun, but the life-lessons you learned: how to save, be inventive, recycle, and appreciate what you have (not what you think you want), makes you a better person.

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