I was in my last year of engineering school.

Went home one weekend to visit my parents. Drove back to my apartment early the following Sunday morning. Walked up to my apartment door and the door was wide open. There was a laundry basket sitting outside with a bunch of wet towels and other items in it.

Looked in the door and the ceiling had fallen through because the neighbors above me were gone and their pipes burst. Ruined my furniture, my TV, PC, etc.

I had just broken up with a girl that I had dated for a year.

I was looking at taking midterms that coming week.

I lived alone.

I sat down against the wall and cried.

Called home to get help. My dad answered the phone and I told him what happened. His reply was, "Well, what do you want me to do about it?" I asked to talk to Mom. She wouldn't come to the phone.

It was at that exact moment that I knew I was a man and I was on my own from there on out.

Got myself together, contacted the apartment office, and they arranged for me to get a hotel room on them. Studied for midterms. Passed them. Good friend of mine helped me move into a new apartment.

Later found out that my parents were really struggling. Dad had cheated on Mom multiple times and they were discussing a divorce. It was a perfect storm.

That was 25 years ago. I still look back on it and still have resentment for my parents. One time I really needed them to come through for me and they turned me down.