I saw this question earlier today and didn't really know how to respond. I'm still not sure that I do. What I want to say is that I think the question of living with a family member is immaterial. For me, the more important question is whether you have people in your life that you love and they love you. I grew up without a father and a loving mother, and yet, I'm generally a really optimistic person. Part of it is having some inner strength and knowing who you are, but a larger, more important part, I think, is having people in your life that you love. For me, it's my wife and kids, but before they were in my life, it was my dear friends and people that always supported me and encouraged me.

On what thoughts occupy my mind daily, it's simply to try to be happy with what I have, and to help my kids embrace life. Not sure if this was the kind of answer you were looking for...

Thanks for the comment. It's a good to know from another who came from the similar background.