There are moments in motherhood that arrive quietly but land like thunder.
This was one of them.
My youngest twin—twenty-seven years old—has purchased a home. In this economy. In a time so unforgiving that even the word starter feels like a relic from another century. It is an accomplishment that deserves to be spoken aloud, admired, honored. I am proud of her in the way that fills the chest and tightens the throat at the same time.
And yet—there it is—the ache.
Because pride and grief sometimes share the same chair.
This economy is ruthless. Not difficult. Not inconvenient. Ruthless. It does not reward youth the way it once did. It does not offer freedom cheaply. It does not allow mistakes without punishment. Housing is no longer a milestone—it is a miracle. And watching your child secure something so rare feels like witnessing both victory and loss in a single breath.
When I was sixteen, I left home.
Not dramatically. Not ceremoniously. I simply went. I had my own apartment. A used car. Paid my electric bill. My car insurance. My groceries. I even attended community college. I was free in the way only the young and unafraid can be—free because the world had not yet learned how to price every inch of air.
It wasn’t because I was wealthy. It wasn’t because I was protected. It was because the numbers made sense back then. They no longer do.
Today, a young person can work endlessly and still remain trapped. Rent devours paychecks. Insurance eats ambition. Groceries demand negotiation. Independence has been turned into a luxury item, and no one pretends otherwise.
So her father and I did what parents are rarely praised for doing anymore—we let our children stay.
No rent. No utilities. No pressure—except the kind that builds, not breaks. The only bills they paid were the ones they chose. The rest went into savings. Into preparation. Into a future we knew the world would not hand them gently.
They also went to work where their father works—a union job that pays more than most four-year degrees promise anymore. Thirty-five dollars an hour. Time-and-a-half after eight hours in a day, not forty in a week. Double time after ten. Triple pay on holidays. The kind of structure that once built the middle class and now survives like a rare species.
And because of that—because of planning, patience, and opportunity—she bought a home.
I should be celebrating without pause.
But there’s a part of me that wishes she would stay just a little longer. Stay in the good life. The one I never had offered to me, even though I somehow managed to afford it anyway. Stay in the safety that took generations of trial and error to learn how to provide.
My childhood was… complicated.
My mother was a single parent doing the best she could with the tools she had. But there were too many men passing through the house. Too much instability. Too much responsibility placed on shoulders still learning how to carry themselves. By the time I was ten, I was caring for my younger sister—five years my junior—cleaning the house, feeding her, managing tasks that children should not have to manage.
If I failed, I was punished. If I succeeded, it was expected.
And yet—those years shaped me.
They gave me skills. Grit. Awareness. Independence sharpened early. I learned how to survive before I learned how to rest. I became a true Gen Xer—resourceful, skeptical, self-reliant, allergic to nonsense.
A Scorpio. A free spirit. A wild child who wasn’t taking anyone’s shit.
And I wouldn’t trade it. Not for anything.
How many people can say they were sixteen in the 1980s, paying their own bills, driving their own car, answering to no one but themselves—and still felt free? The eighties were a strange kind of golden hour. Not perfect. Not fair. But possible.
That world is gone.
So when my daughter closes the door on her own home, I stand in the doorway of memory. Proud beyond words. Tender beyond reason. Grateful that she has what I never did—and quietly mourning the simplicity of a time when independence didn’t require permission from a bank, a union contract, and perfect timing.
This is what parenting looks like in an unforgiving economy.
You don’t push them out. You build a runway. You give them what you never had. And when they finally fly, you wave—even as your heart asks them to circle once more.
Disclaimer
This blog reflects personal experience and generational observation. It is not intended to diminish the struggles of any generation or romanticize hardship. Economic conditions vary widely, and individual outcomes are shaped by many factors. This piece is offered as reflection, not prescription.
References & Context
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Historical wage comparisons
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) – Housing affordability index
Pew Research Center – Generational economic mobility
National Association of Realtors – First-time homebuyer trends
Economic Policy Institute – Wage growth vs. cost of living (1980s–present)
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a Gen X writer, researcher, and storyteller whose work blends lived experience with cultural reflection. Raised in an era of latchkeys and learned independence, she writes about family, economics, power systems, and the quiet emotional truths that live beneath major life transitions. Her work honors resilience without glorifying struggle and believes deeply in giving the next generation what many never received.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — A.L. Childers
Audrey Childers is a published author, thyroid advocate, wellness writer, and founder of TheHypothyroidismChick.com. After years of misdiagnosis, exhaustion, weight gain, and “your labs are normal,” she rebuilt her health — and now helps other women do the same.
When people talk about taxation, you’ll often hear the phrase “taxation is theft.” But let’s be clear—it’s not theft; it’s extortion. The government doesn’t just ask for your money—they take it. And if you don’t give it to them, the consequences are severe. In fact, you could lose everything, whether through prison or forfeiture of your assets. In the land of the free, that doesn’t sound very liberating, does it?
The Boston Tea Party: The Birth of a Tax Revolt
It all started back in 1773, long before taxes became the complex machine they are today. Colonists in America were fed up with being taxed by a government thousands of miles away in Britain. Specifically, they were enraged by the Tea Act, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea at a lower price but still keep the tax on it. This led to the famous Boston Tea Party, where protestors dumped 342 chests of British tea into the Boston Harbor. This was the beginning of America’s deep-seated disdain for taxes. Ironically, this fight for “taxation with representation” was only the start.
The Rise of Federal Income Tax: The Civil War Era
While early American taxes were primarily excise taxes on goods like whiskey, it wasn’t until the Civil War that the federal government began to impose income taxes. In 1861, Congress passed the Revenue Act, instituting a federal income tax to help cover the enormous costs of the war. It was a short-lived measure, but it set the stage for what would later become the federal income tax system. Though repealed in 1872, the groundwork had been laid.
1913: The Birth of the Modern Income Tax System
Fast forward to 1913, when the 16th Amendment was ratified, officially giving Congress the power to tax income. This wasn’t just a temporary wartime measure—it became a permanent fixture in American life. The justification was simple: the government needed money to run its operations, and what better way than to take it directly from the wages of its citizens?
This marked the beginning of the modern tax system as we know it, but it didn’t stop there. The federal government expanded its tax-collecting reach, and over the years, taxes became more comprehensive, complex, and inescapable.
Taxed on Everything: The Death by a Thousand Cuts
Today, we are taxed on everything. It’s not just your income that gets hit; it’s your house, car, and food. Here’s how taxes have expanded:
Property Taxes: Even if you own your home outright, you are still required to pay property taxes. Miss a payment, and the government can seize your home. You never truly “own” your property.
Sales Taxes: Every time you purchase something, from groceries to gasoline, you are taxed. Some states have higher sales taxes than others, but there’s no escaping it.
Income Taxes: A significant portion of your paycheck is taken before you even get it. Federal and state governments siphon off a chunk, and if you’re self-employed, you’re responsible for paying even more through self-employment taxes.
Estate Taxes: When you die, your estate is taxed before your heirs can inherit it. This is often called the “death tax,” as it essentially taxes your wealth, even in death.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Let’s not forget the harsh reality of non-payment. If you don’t pay your taxes, the government can garnish your wages, seize your property, and even throw you in jail. It’s not a voluntary system—it’s compulsory, enforced through penalties and imprisonment. This isn’t freedom; it’s extortion with a legal stamp of approval.
How Much Do We Really Pay?
According to recent estimates, Americans pay about 30% to 40% of their income in taxes when you add up federal, state, and local taxes. In some cases, people pay more than half of their earnings to the government. On top of that, we pay for everything else—healthcare, education, and infrastructure—through additional taxes and fees. It’s a vicious cycle of giving, and the return feels minimal compared to the ever-increasing cost of living.
The Illusion of Ownership
In reality, we own nothing. Your home, your car, your income—they are all subject to taxation. Fail to pay those taxes, and the government will take what’s yours. We live under the illusion that we are free and own our assets, but the truth is, the government has a claim on everything we have worked hard to build.
The Future of Taxation: A Glimpse Ahead
Looking at the historical timeline, taxation has only grown more invasive and more complex. What started as a rebellion against unfair taxation has transformed into a system that taxes nearly every aspect of our lives. What will the future hold? More taxes on digital transactions, carbon emissions, and perhaps even the air we breathe? The possibilities are endless—and frightening.
Conclusion: Taxation is Extortion, Not Freedom
As we reflect on the long, winding history of taxation in America, one thing becomes clear: we are not as free as we think. Taxes have evolved from a necessary evil to a form of legalized extortion. And while it’s important to fund essential services, we must ask ourselves—at what cost? If the consequence of not paying taxes is imprisonment or asset seizure, how free are we really?
The next time you get your paycheck and see how much has been taken out, or when you receive your property tax bill, remember—you don’t truly own anything. You’re just renting it from the government.
By tracing the history of taxes, we can see that the system is designed to control and extract. The Boston Tea Party was just the beginning, and now, we are taxed to death. It’s time we rethink our relationship with taxation and demand more accountability from those who enforce it.
About the Author
A.L. Childers is a wellness advocate, thyroid warrior, and the author behind multiple best-selling books on hypothyroidism. After years of battling thyroid issues herself, she dedicated her life to sharing practical tips, delicious recipes, and lifestyle changes that truly work. Through her books and blog, she aims to empower others to take control of their health and kick hypothyroidism’s booty—one meal at a time. You can find her books on Amazon and connect with her on social media for daily tips and thyroid-friendly recipes.
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Recommended Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into wellness, managing thyroid health, and understanding the importance of holistic nutrition, I recommend the following books:
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A.L. Childers is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and personal empowerment, drawing from her own experiences as a researcher, journalist, and someone who has personally navigated the challenges of thyroid disorders and autoimmune conditions. With over 200 books to her name, A.L. Childers has written extensively on topics ranging from holistic healing, autoimmune wellness, and thyroid health to more creative and lighthearted topics like children’s coloring books and cookbooks for pets. Her diverse range of expertise and unique perspective resonates deeply with readers seeking practical, actionable advice to improve their lives.
A.L. Childers’s books stand out because they offer more than just information—they provide a compassionate, relatable voice that empowers readers to take control of their health, happiness, and future. Each book is crafted with care, backed by research, and filled with personal insights, making complex topics easy to understand and apply. Whether you’re struggling with a chronic condition or simply seeking better health and vitality, her books are designed to guide you toward transformation and wellness.
Why should you purchase one of her books? Because they are not only educational, but also transformative. With A.L. Childers’s guidance, you can heal your body, strengthen your immune system, and rediscover your energy—all while feeling supported by someone who truly understands the journey.
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Get ready to dive into the vibrant and eclectic world of Audrey Childers, the author who’s written something for absolutely everyone! With over 200 books under her belt—ranging from playful coloring books to thought-provoking self-help guides, spellbinding fantasy novels, and everything in between—Audrey has crafted a literary collection for every age and stage of life.
As the creative force behind TheHypothyroidismChick.com, she’s also a passionate advocate for health and wellness, sharing her own tips and insights on living well with hypothyroidism. But Audrey doesn’t stop there. She’s a mom, a voice for optimal human health, a blogger, a freelance journalist, and an entrepreneur who’s spent over a decade fine-tuning her craft in research and editorial writing.
Want to uncover her latest bestsellers? Some of her most popular works include “A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism Booty,” “Reset Your Thyroid,” and the biting satire, “The Plague of Overeducated Dumb People.” But there’s so much more! Click the many links “About the Author” to check out her incredible range of books—you won’t regret it!
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Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health. The highlighted links are affiliate links in my blogs.
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