I grew up poor too. Never saw new clothes, always hand-me downs. By the time they reached me, they were nearly wore out. I got a new outfit at Christmas, Easter and BD. Got 1 toy at Christmas. My bike cost a whole $6 from a flea market. We couldn't even afford drivers Ed or lunch money, I got a whole 25 cents to ride the bus and get a 5 cent carton of milk. Lunch was a bologna sandwich from home. Dad was the son of Immigrants, mom grew up just as poor in the rural Appalachian of the Smokey Mountains. Grand dad had Black Lung, Grandma worked in a Shirt factory.
And I was taught to be a Patriotic American by my parents, dad served under Gen Mac Arthur 5 major battles, including putting the First Flag back up on Corregidor, First Natural born, of Naturalized Parents.
503rd Airborne, Sgt Frank Guy Arrigo Italian parents.
We are listening to “Becoming Superman”, the autobiography of J.Michael Straczynski.
Talk about a rough and tumble upbringing.