Today is my daughter's birthday. Her humble beginnings began in my womb and after giving birth, I weighed 78 pounds for about the first year of her life. Even though she wore me out thin, she kept growing!
THREE ROOM APARTMENT
We started out in a three-room apartment but after she was born, there was no room once she outgrew her bassinet and the one closet got too full. So, we moved to another apartment with two bedrooms and two closets. The rent was more than double and before long, with all her toys, the crib, baby dresser, playpen, high chair, baby swing, baby hamper, baby clothes, and baby toys with wheels that made her exercise her tiny legs we decided we had to move.
WE MOVED TO THE COUNTRY
We moved out of the city of Chicago to the country in Northern, IL after her baby brother was born where they could have a better education and more room to grow. Our apartment in Chicago, located near Downtown Chicago was fine for us, but not for me catching El trains, subway trains, catching city buses, and carrying diaper bags, and toting two little children everywhere I needed to go.
WE LEARNED A LOT BY RENTING
We learned that as a family, we were happier around farm animals, lots of plants, trees, and we learned about the power and respect for the rivers and lakes. In addition, we learned about what happens when the well dries up and the septic system fails and how long it takes for a landlord to get someone hired to put in a new well and clean the septic system. Furthermore, we learned that someone had to pay for the well and septic and that our significant increase in rent contributed to what it cost the landlord. As tenants, we had no choice but to put up with many inconveniences.
WE GOT SMARTER
After nearly three years, we realized that when the landlord purchased another house plus two new rental properties, that our nest egg would never grow at the high cost of rent. The handwriting was on the wall. Once again, we outgrew our space in that old cottage by the lake. We knew we needed more space and a cleaner environment to live because old houses can make you sick. Our children were always sick with colds and suffered from asthma. At that time, many people did not know, that little children's lungs didn't have the capacity to handle cigarette smoke, air pollutants or the cancer causing agents that nobody knew were inside the attic and walls of old homes & cottages when older homes were built.
OUR LIFESTYLES CHANGED
Once again, it was just a matter of time before the sizes of the rooms quickly diminished to adequately accommodate our family of four. Plus, guests were always coming to spend the weekends and holidays because they liked to fish and get away from the city. Our lifestyles changed!
WE DECIDED TO BUY A HOUSE
We decided... err (I DECIDED) it was time to buy our own house and we did! In the beginning, we didn't even think about the fact that paying a mortgage with a 10 1/2% interest rate was high or ridiculous. We just did it! We paid the mortgage + interest rate + taxes + insurance + household expenses on time without fail.
KIDS GROW UP; LIFE CHANGES
When my husband died, I never thought about, how am I going to make it? I assumed responsibility and liability for myself and my children. We got through school and higher education (I did too). Today, we live in three different places and time zones.
TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY
She celebrated her birthday beginning with me calling her in the middle of my sleeping hours as she was preparing to climb the Swiss Alps. She sends me photos when she can. These photos were taken in the summer. As seen in my intro photograph, there must be something about tight spaces that makes her feel comfortable. I doubt that she even thinks there is a correlation between the tight spaces we lived in throughout her childhood. However, I am certain her mind is always focused on achievement. When my daughter and son-in-law and my son, his wife and their children are happy, I am happy too! If you are thinking about moving, I have a lot of experience and stories that may be relatable to your situation. Call me! ---Patricia Feager
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