This is absolutely splendid and gut-wrenching, @itsostylish. For goodness sakes, how many highs and lows can one small family take? You really had a wild roller coaster ride of a childhood! I'm sorry you lost your dad so young. That must have been so very hard. But I'm amazed at how you all stuck together to find a way to forge ahead, and you came out on top!

I truly love this creative nonfiction initiative. What a great opportunity to get to know people better. I've just learned a thing or two about what makes you so amazing and resilient!