Go to Life in the fast lane--where's the on ramp?
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- Go to Hand-me-downs
Some of my favorite clothes are hand me downs.
posted by
Amanda__
on August 23, 2026 at 9:46 AM
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Pat B Good Day
It is amazing how events affect us when we are young. We cared more about what our friends and classmates thought than our parents. You live for acceptance and validation from others. I'm so glad you didn't let that stop you from becoming the person you are today. I often wonder whether moments like that motivate us to succeed.
posted by
BearcatMike
on August 22, 2026 at 9:09 AM
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Good Morning
Pat, I understand totally how you feel. My mom had to support my grandma and me. Every school year, she would get me three new outfits, but I did have an aunt who loved to sew, and she would make me some nice outfits. I know things are different now, but I would have worn the pretty blouse. I had a cousin with so many clothes I couldn't believe it. I was never jealous, though. I was happy for her. I hope you have a good day.
posted by
Goldiec
on August 22, 2026 at 7:13 AM
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Pat once during the war shoes were on ration my Dad wore his out so quickly
that he used most coupons to keep going. I don't know how Mother got them but
a pair with a fancy look about them were the only ones for me to wear as feet grew.
I remember holding my feet under the desk lest the shoes should be seen and the local bully stuck a pen in my wrist. The ink spot is still there today. 🌺
posted by
C_C_T
on August 21, 2026 at 12:54 PM
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Pat.....
Very large family and shortness of money to dress six girls in highschool... Mom did the best she could with her Singer sewing machine. The fancy girl that did that to me paid for her nastiness with never being happy by making kids unhappy. Her marriage didn't last. She died a long time ago. Nastiness is never a worthwhile habit.
posted by
TAPS.
on August 21, 2026 at 11:56 AM
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Kids are so cruel. I would venture a guess your life has been more fulfilled than hers. I know what you mean when you wished the floor would drop, etc. I never knew we were poor when I was growing up. The clothes I was given to wear was fine by me. Enter 9th grade. The cheerleaders asked me to come to the home ec room. I didn't think much of it but when I got there they gave me socks, awesome saddle shoes, skirt and a blouse. I just thought they were being nice. It was years later and I mean years I realized the extent of the poverty and they gave it because I was poor and not dressed that well. I didn't hold a grudge because I believed their gift was genuine. But, the initial realization was heartbreaking.
posted by
sam444
on August 21, 2026 at 10:51 AM
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Kids can be so mean-spirited. That was really rotten of her to make a scene. I'm sure karma eventually caught up with her. The same thing used to happen to my husband and his siblings. Six kids were hard to keep up with when it came to feeding and buying new clothing each school year. They had several cousins, so they were given hand-me-downs. My mom has always enjoyed sewing in her off time from work, so she made me a lot of the clothes that I wore to school when I was younger. Your post makes me realize how my grandkids could be teased if John and I didn't help them with clothes each year. Thank you for the reminder. Enjoy your day.
posted by
Sherri_G
on August 21, 2026 at 10:39 AM
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