A mother who feeds everyone from one enormous pot.
The story spread like wildfire through the community.
Some people were shocked.
Some were worried.
Some admired the parents.
Others wondered how the family managed it at all.
The local school also experienced the consequences.
A family with so many children meant that a significant portion of the small school population came from a single household.
The teachers knew the children well.
They acknowledged their problems.
They saw their determination.
Despite having fewer classmates than average, the children often displayed strong discipline and a sense of responsibility.
They understood the value of education.
They understood that learning could create opportunities that extended beyond the farm.
The room that became a symbol
The 3 by 3.6 meter room eventually became more than just a bedroom.
It became a symbol.
A symbol of the sacrifices working families made in difficult times.
A symbol of how people adapted when they had very little.
