Originally Posted by clem55
Originally Posted by Chasing Hawk
Only Hope Chest I had was the one were my parents "hoped" I would make all the right decisions after giving birth to my 1st son at 16 and starting my own company at 17.
I had my first one at 16 too. What sort of business did you start at 17? And were you a success with it? That intriques me!At that age with a baby, it seemed like everyone expected us to fail at everything. I guess the only thing I succeeded at was being a good wife and mom, got 56 years to be proud of.
I had Anthony at 16, my Dad said I would be a welfare Mom with no education. So to prove him wrong I graduated early from High school, and started an Upholstery business. I ran it successfully until I sold the name and business and retired at the age of 37.
It was a lot of hard work, and through the lean times I worked at other Upholstery shops who accommodated my need to have my young children on the premises. They cleared a storeroom out and made a place for the kids to play and nap while I worked.
I couldn't see myself being on welfare, the neighbor lady next door was. It made me sad that she was a unkept, druggie raising her two kids in squalor. (No offense meant to anyone) Some people live like that, I guess Dad in his own way was pushing me to better things. It worked!! I was a success, raised my kids, never asked for a handout and still won't.