I recently joined an ACA group that uses writing topics for expression and processing. What a wonderous thing! The host announced the topic of the day: Childhood Pets. The following is one story that bubbled up unexpectedly from the depths.
My cat Mittens was very special to me. She was a sleek black cat with white double paws (looked much like mittens, indeed). She provided the unconditional love that I needed.
When the state of Vermont passed a law that all cats must have rabies shots, I recall sitting on the edge of Mom and Dad's bed listening to the latest financial cost for my existence, i.e., Dad explained the increased cost of maintaining my kitten.
Mittens had to go. She could not "pay her own way". I could not pay for her rabies shot. I truly cannot recall the outcome. Completely blocked. I assume Dad took her away like he had other cats in the past. Just like us kids, the cat was a financial burden.
Though I understand now as an ACA adult, I cannot recall a time when I was not responsible, not "paying my own way" and not worried about money for the household. Dad's panic about money was utmost on the minds of the entire family and contributed to our way of life.
I had a part time job at a drive-in theatre at 11 years old. One third went to the household, one third went to savings, one third went to me. Again, my adult brain knows the reason for that lesson. At age 7 or 8, I was responsible but not paid for babysitting my younger sister during the nights my parents were away at work. (We lived in the middle of nowhere, no neighbors to be seen.) Those were some dark nights. I also was assigned to make lunches for the next day. At Mother's Day, I wondered why I wasn't getting any gift. Of course, Dad didn't even get Mom a gift, because she was "not his mom" . . .
Was I really responsible at those young ages? Did Mittens really have to go because I could not afford her?
Julie N