Nope. If anything, I grew up too slowly. I was still a "kid" at 20. It was around then when I started to venture more into the adult world (by getting a job and not relying on my parents to pay my rent).
No, I was very innocent for longer than most, but at the same time I was forced to accept a lot of responsibility for my sister, keeping the house clean, and cooking and sometimes doing the dishes after dinner. We were raised working and it stuck with me. Work is good; not something to be avoided. There is no better day that one where you know you've been productive and made accomplishments.
Awfully fast, in 1984. I was 15. Mum went into hospital, followed by Dad. My four youngest siblings were farmed out to other relatives, but I was responsible for the others in high school (Grade 7-12 in Australia) - Martin, 14, and Chris, 12. After my mother's return from her operation (and before she had recovered), my best friend was killed.
