We Broke the Cycle

My grandfather was convicted of fraud and tax evasion when my mom was 16 years old.  He went to prison for eight years when she was 17.

She broke the cycle.   

She graduated college because she worked more than she studied ...  she worked as a waitress every night and a fitness instructor every morning.  That way, she could go to her classes during the day and still be able to afford to eat. 

When I was seven years old my grandfather went to prison again.  This time he went for tax evasion.  My mom took me with her to visit him on several occasions.  What I saw in the visiting room was kids visiting their fathers in prison.  I saw them buying their dads candy bars out of vending machines (prisoners can't handle money) instead of their dads taking care of them.   I am lucky - I got parents that supported and took care of me ... what I saw in that visitor's room was kids taking care of their dads.  At 5XLess, we help kids that don't have a parent that can help them.

My mom is now CEO of a grocery store chain in Southern California.  That is me holding her up - but really, she is the one who helps me.