By Maggie Jackson, Kansas City Star Reader Advisory Panel

As this recession lumbers along at a painful pace, I am reminded of what my mother used to say about friends. “Friends are the people who stick when you hit bottom.” The same can easily be applied to family.

It is difficult to keep a positive outlook on the future as incomes dwindle and the holidays approach. However, I was reminded recently that to be an American is to have grit no matter what happens.

Recently, my sisters and I, along with a group of their closest friends, celebrated our parent’s 40th anniversary.

Due to the recession, instead of a beautifully laser decorated cake with frilly icing we baked a pumpkin cake drizzled with caramel icing. The snacks consisted of inexpensive vegetables, fruits, meats and candies. The location was donated by the local fire department, simply decorated in balloons. It was small, cozy and perfect.

I marveled at my parents as they mingled. Dad pounded the backs of old friends while Mom gave tearful hugs. The two are such different people and yet so perfect together. Dad is the war veteran and farmer who also worked long hours at a local manufacturing plant just to make ends meet. While Mom, the city girl, spent most of her years as care taker in the special education field while learning the role of helping to run a small farm.

Together they took a small amount of acreage and sowed the fruit, vegetables and raised the meat which was needed to feed their children. Little time was spent being idle and much time was spent just trying to keep the freezer and cupboards stocked.

The eighties recession proved most difficult, but instead of asking for a handout my parents did what was necessary. Even if it meant spending a winter eating squirrel in addition to the vegetables my mom had canned. However, no matter how little we had, there was always enough of our small bounty to share with those who stopped by for a visit.

Moments of sharing with these family members and friends were defining. My parents have never enjoyed a wealthy monetary lifestyle. But what they lack in materialism was made up for by who they touched.

We sisters were raised to see people for who they are no matter how influential the person may seem. Nor should gender, race or economic background be a factor in how we treat others. As I looked around the room I smiled at the rich demographic of people who have stuck with Mom an Dad through the good and bad.

The recession is difficult. It’s so easy to become discouraged and bitter. However, as my parents showed it doesn’t have to be oppressive. As bad as the economy may seem there is still family and those who have become like family.