What’s a song lyric that has stuck with you forever?

“But I couldn’t see spending the rest of my life

With my head hung down in shame

You know I might have been born just plain white trash

But Fancy was my name”

Fancy – Reba McEntire

Every time this comes up on shuffle, I always listen to it. A lot of people would consider my family white trash. We were really middle class where we are from, but when I went to university, I quickly learned that we would be considered in the white trash category.

My mom put a lot of pressure on me to not end up like the rest of them. I was going to college. I was going to have a career. I was going to be something she could be proud of.

It did not quite turn out the way she hoped, but she is happy that I am officially middle class now. That was a big step forward for our family. I am well educated. My partner and I are live comfortably for the state of the world. A few brushes here and there with the economy collapsing every few years, but with the kids out of the house expenses are way down. Slowly getting closer to the debt free dream.

I am writing books now and my mom is beyond proud. It is almost nauseating. She keeps insisting on wanting to read what I write and I am so afraid she will be disappointed.

My family and I were looked down on most of my life. Even my in-laws were initially very disappointed by my partner’s choice. They love me now, or at least they accept me. I have been good to my partner and take care of him.

Knowing where I come from, this song always hits home. Every time I feel less than, I recall the song and that line in particular.

“Here’s your one shot

Fancy, don’t let me down.”