Why parents need to work hard for their kids.

Because the appreciative ones know it's not about the money.

And so last night, after a somewhat heated argument with my own parent about finances and "effective economics", I talked with my daughter... the only other person who gives me perspective about how it is to be a parent.

Me: Psyche? Would you still love me and Papa if we didn't have money?
Psyche: Hmm, I'll still love you even if you don't have money.
Me: *muffled sobs* Awww... I love you so much, thank you.

*hugs*

Psyche: But I can love you if you have money.

..............

And that, my friends, is what gets me up and out of bed every morning, despite the hangover, despite the headache from the incessant snoozing, despite the rain and the occasional monotony of work, and the thought of working for peanuts. Because even if she could love me without money, I don't see why she should have to. And if there's one thing I can give my children... one precious thing (next to a good education - inside as well as outside of the classroom), it would be peace of mind and a sense of subdued elegance. That they will never have to worry about money, that they will never feel burdened by it, or the lack of it... because I'm going to teach them the true value of it as well as the difference between "practical consumerism" and "frantic frugalism."

I'll worry about the rest, as most typical, overbearing worry-wart Virgos have a natural tendency to do.