[RightField]

My grandmother and her parents owned a grocery store, so they didn't too badly during the Depression, or during the rationing years of WWII. But, my mother told me of men coming to the back door of the house, and the store, asking for a hand out. Mom said her grandmother always kept sandwiches made up so the men wouldn't have to linger by the back door. She said it helped their dignity by not making it appear that they were begging. They would approach the door, and she would have some food for them and their families.

My great grandfather had left the backwoods of southern Ohio in the early 1900's and had become a successful businessman, in the railroad and grocery businesses. His ne'er-do-well relatives would come to his house asking for a "loan" but granddad always told them it wasn't a loan. He never expected repayment.

I wonder how we will treat each other today if we're faced with the same situations.

[eyedigress]

My family heritage always worked hard. My Grandfather was also railroad (Burlington). Hard times were all the way to the 60’s. People complain but have no idea.