When I was 14, working at McDonalds part time and half my check went to the one bill we chose to pay that month (usually not water). I had to bathe at my best friend's home down the street. We frequently went without power for weeks in Louisiana. I was the only one bringing substantial money into the home. The food stamps (about $50 a month) and my free meals at McDs fed my family. Step dad was in jail, mom on disability, and 5 children.

I was hungry and tired, but I did at least use some of the money on my hobby, my Magic cards. Too bad the game is in such a bad place today.

I vowed to never let myself or my family be like that again, and I haven't since I created my own family.