I don't think my parents' kids will be able to put together the money that my parents did, even with our college educations, which really gives me a new respect for my parents. (Actually, among the siblings, the people without college degrees make the most money--two of us were English/Journalism majors. Bad choice.) And a new respect for one of the main gifts that made that possible: no catastrophic illness/event that would have wiped out all their savings. If I had to make my living farming I would literally starve. I was really bad at it. It also was a 24/7 job that demanded the labor of six kids, and frankly, I couldn't do that to my kids either.

I am really glad for your kids and salute you and them!!