Thank you for your comments. Yes, we had the bottom fall out a few times, but weathered it due to our conservative lifestyle and savings. Of what I've accomplished in life, I think I'm most proud that my two 20-something children have adopted the same principles, under withering criticism from their friends. If I had to reduce it to two words, it would be "deferred gratification."
I know exactly what you mean by the gratification from the adopted life styles of the children. It took what it took (quite a while) with my son of 38 but he and his sister are now quite responsible citizens of this Republic in that they believe it is above all else "their responsibility" to "make it happen" if they can. And trust me I didn't enter into early adulthood with any sense of responsibility. Some of us it just takes time and some nudges from those significant ones in our lives. The best "luck" if one needs luck in life was my finding (and her pluck in nudging and prodding me along) the lady and soul partner of my life some 39 years ago.