What is REALLY Important...What Makes People Truly Rich.

I just read this quote from Reese Witherspoon. I am not a huge fan but she says it succinctly :

Life isn't just about you. It's about family and friends and giving back.

- Reese Witherspoon

I'm a 48 year old woman with M.S. and chronic pain that never lets up...but I'm also mom to two amazing, kind kids (aged 20 and 16) and married to the sweetest man I know.  We're not financially rich by any stretch of the imagination...hubby works hard as a well respected Class A Mechanic and I'm on disability.  We own our own little three bedroom bungalow here in Canada and drive a 12 year old well loved and babied van....but you know what?  I consider myself to be the richest woman I know.  I wouldn't want to be anyone else, nor do I wish to have bags of money.  I do look forward to the day when our mortgage is paid off, but hey, that day will come :)
 
I can't imagine selling out my children for that all mighty dollar and the big house with the pool.  Kate's priorities are a bit skewed, and unfortunately she'll see the results of those priorities when the kids are in their teen years.  Sadly, there's no doubt in my mind that there's going to be trouble...a result of Kate's  hair brained ideas about what's important in life. 
 
 
Appearances and stuff.

Hey cdnmsmom, your post warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.  Kate has a gorgeous home; my house would fit in it at least three times.  But, where is she spending Thanksgiving?  At her body guard, Steve, and his wife's home.  She has a kitchen to die for but no one to enjoy it with her.  All the rooms look sterile and cold, IMO.  I would never live there even if it was given to me.  I have so much to be thankful for and it's not money either.  

Hey snoopysue, it sounds like you have a rich, wonderful life, too.  I do agree that the Gosselin 'house' (I won't use the word 'home') is very cold and stark.
 
One thing I find frustrating about their situation is that they feed the kids from paper plates and plastic utensils (if they use utensils at all)...afraid, I guess, that the kids might break something. One thing I learned since getting ill is that every day is an occasion to haul out the good china and the silverware! :)  If a dish gets chipped or broken, so what. Each meal together as a family is a gift to celebrate.
 
It just saddens me so much when people worship things and money over relationships and family.  It's obvious that Kate doesn't treasure family 'cause she has alienated every single relative.  Sad for her but absolutely tragic for the children.  Hopefully Jon will continue to bring these people back into their lives.