Each family progresses through life differently. For me, the necessary constant for success is food, shelter, warmth, and the absence of physical and sexual abuse. With these "gifts", people are free to focus their energies on learning and growing "well". Having grown up in a family whose parents ignored their children but who offered the above "gifts", I tell everyone that I have my wonderful life because of these constants. However, I have always wondered how my life would have turned out if I hadn't had the above constants. Now I know. The children in the Walls family have given me my answer. It's all about the character, the drive, and the ingenuity that comes rushing up when you suspect that there must be a more productive way to live a life. Thank you Jeannette Walls for allowing us to see the potential in all of us. Knowledge of your journey follows and inspires me daily.