I was born during the depression, or rather at the end of it. By all rights, I shouldn't be here. I was the eleventh child and I'm sure my arrival was not heralded as a blessed event. I should have been dead before my first birthday and tagged as another statistical victim of poverty. My family would have to borrow money to be labeled "poor." They were in downright poverty. I wasn't a bad child, but I wasn't a good child either...I was spoiled by my adoptive parents. Especially my dad. Mom was overprotective, but I never doubted I was loved. I am now 80 years old and this is my first book. I am pleased to share my life with you and your family. This is my story, growing up in Oregon. For I am "A Home-Grown Kid."