“Despite the grandiosity of my dwelling, I continue

to live in the ways of poverty, simplicity and practicality,

for this is how I am most comfortable.

Poverty in and of itself is not harmful or shameful, however deprivation is.

After having lived my life in emotional, physical and spiritual deprivation,

through no fault of others, I am grateful to convey my days of pain have

passed, though I know suffering is a part of life to the end.

       Lori  Ellis – McKinney  (2012)