I was born a coal miners son

[William769]

Sorry Loretta, but I'm a male.

I grew up in appalachia (Harlan county KY), & I am hear to tell you I wouldn't have changed my childhood for nothing (great Character building).

With that said I had the good sense when I was older to get out & make a life for myself in Florida also being gay had a lot to do with my leaving King Hollow.

Not sure what made me post this, nostalgia mostly I think.

[nuxvomica]

1. Could you elaborate?

Like tell a story emblematic of this character building you speak of? That'd be kinda nice to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I find it's best to do it when the nostalgia's got a hold on you, too.

[William769]

3. Well when you grow up in Appalachia

You get up at dawn do your chores, have breakfast then go to school. Chores after school. This was my life as a childhood. When I did have free time I treasured it. I learned to work at a early age to buy my school clothes. At one point I was going to drop out of school to help out with the bills. My Father when he found out of my plans was very disappointed in me (he didn't go to school). He said son do you want the life I have? Or do you want something better. He then lightened my chores around the house to further my studies.

I don't want to sound like I'm knocking anyone's childhood, but when I hear my friends (in Florida) talk about their childhoods & how their values are different than mine, I can understand why.

It's hard to put in words what you ask (I'm not a great writer), but I am thankful for the life I have had & what I have achieved & the values my parents instilled in me.

[nuxvomica]

5. Close enough

I like the part about your dad lightening your chores so you could study.

[dajoki]

2. i was a coal miner

:toast:

[William769]

4. Nice to meet you.

:toast:

[dajoki]

7. you too

i'm from anthracite region in NE PA :hi:

[BikeWriter]

6. I did a Google search for Harlan county KY and my last name...

There were 4,850 hits, and my name is not common. We have lots of kin in that area.

[kentuck]

8. Hey neighbor !

I was born in the Pine Ridge coal mining camp in a neighboring county to Harlan... :)