Guilt.......

Did you watch the Presidents address last night? we did too. I know the economy is bad- how could I not, right? I mean there are signs everywhere- our street alone has at least 4 homes (that I know of) that are in foreclosure. I live in one of the hardest hit areas in the nation- and I'm moving to another one of the hardest hit areas for foreclosure......Friends have lost their jobs- and I'm sure people who I care about (but have not shared) are up late at night wondering "what are we going to do"........ yet here we sit fine. I'm filled with guilt over that. I don't worry how my family will eat tomorrow- I'm lucky enough to stay home with my kids - they have clean clothes- go on vacation and college will be an option for them. I don't say this as bragging- it is, funny enough, a burden I carry during these times. Yet, only a few short years ago- when everyone around me was "living the life"......we didn't. We always felt that living within our means was important for our future- we are a military family-and although are comfortable- we by no means will EVER get rich off of this career choice. So friends were buying designer houses, upgrading their cars, going on luxurious vacations......we carried on with our very affordable but "truly middle class" lifestyle". And now- that lifestyle seems indulgent almost........I am proud that we have lived a responsible life- yet feel guilt that we are not struggling-