How were you raised?

I was raised in a Republican/conservative home by two wonderful parents with old-fashioned values that are most often missing in today's society. If I got out of line my dad would whoop my butt with the belt(old school style), I survived, and it was for my own good. There's a big difference between a beating and a spanking, I received a spanking. I was raised and baptized Russian Orthodox, we went to church every week and were taught about Christ, we were not just there to warm the bench. These teachings of the church and my parents have strengthened my character and shaped who I am today. Love the lord God with all your heart, honor, hard work, humility, respect, love, etc. I played outside as a child all day and came home at dusk. I did chores around the house. TV was considered a treat(all 5 channels). My favorite of which was the Saturday morning cartoons of the 70's(A previous thread). My parents certainly had the means to buy me anything I wished for, but that was not the case even though I never went without anything. But most importantly, I was taught the value of money and hard work. If I wanted something I worked for it. When my parents told me something, I did it out of respect. The kids of today have no respect for anyone or anything. For instance the other day a group of kids was walking right down the middle of the road to the point I couldn't pass, they looked at me as if I was in their way, then one of them flipped me off. That's where our world is heading, right down the crapper. I ate at the dinner table with the family, we took trips together, laughed together(you may have noticed my crazy sense of humor), and loved one another. I was very lucky to grow up the way I did and I see that today more than ever. When it came time for college my parents were there to pay for it, but I didn't accept their money, I did it myself on an Academic Merrit Scholarship. I went through college and then the medical academy, etc, etc. I made some incredible investments in the stock market and became extremely wealthy. That was the big turning point in my life when I realized that money begets evil and then made the appropriate changes to be happy. A humble life is much better. I've been blessed with a great christian wife that is truly a gift. I'm teaching my children the ways of Christ and the good old fashioned values the world has lost. My parents are still teaching me to this day and I have always tried to make them proud of me. If I needed anything all I have to do is call. I have learned through my many life experiences that the most important things in life are God and your family. I then shaped my life around that. A few years ago I almost died from a bad gallbladder. This again reaffirmed the importance of God and Family. What person do you know of that asked to see their bank statement or look at their framed degrees one more time before they die? I had mentioned in a previous thread that while an education is important it certainly doesn't guarantee success nor does it define one's character. I work hard everyday, my hands are calloused and sore, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have given my life to Christ. I let him guide my life, and I can tell you my friends, my life has never been better. That's a little tip from your Uncle MoparMuscleGuy.
Carpe Diem, Christopher