Head start

I heard this quote the other day (found out it was a rather old, famous quote, but I forget who said it now), something about people who are born on 3rd base thinking they hit a triple. It has stayed in my mind ever since, because it really is a simple truth. There is this whole mess of people in America who think the "American Dream" is so attainable by everyone if you just work hard enough. "I work hard - why should I help anyone else?"

But if you grew up never having the water or electricity shut off because your parents couldn't pay it, if you got in trouble for bringing home bad grades (or worse, skipping school), if you never found bullet holes in your house or the houses around you, if you never had a serious mental illness or physical disability, you are already ahead of a hell of a lot of people. People often hear my early childhood story and have such sympathy. My mom died when I was 8, my parents split up just before that, and I had to be raised by my grandma (minus a sister I loved very much, because she went to live with HER dad at that point). She had very little money and somehow managed keep us lower middle class.

But you know what? I was loved. I was cared for in my grief, and never told to "just get over it." I was bombarded with ideals such as the value of education and taking care of myself while still helping others. I was expected to do well and so I did. I lived in a town with almost zero crime, let alone violent crime. I never saw anyone get shot, or beat up. The lights were always on, and the only time water didn't flow freely was because it froze the night before.

So, yeah. I feel like I was born on 3rd base, but I know I didn't hit a triple. I work for what I've got, but I know damn well it took more than the things I've done to get here. I got a head start that not everyone gets.

And even for those who did have a harder time growing up but find themselves with a supportive wife or husband, and healthy, bright kids...so much of that is chance. Good chance. Admit your good fortune that a spouse who can take care of shit at home while you go make the bucks puts you at an advantage.

What a world it would be if everyone understood these things.