That sounds like it was a time of struggle for you! I'm glad you were never unhappy during those times. I had some very lean years in early adulthood but was always lucky to have the basic necessities. Some weeks we had to plan down to the penny though.
Looking back I have no idea how my parents raised my brother and I on what my Dad made. My Mom went to work after we were teenagers but neither of them made much but they never went too far into debt. They were smart with what they made though and always made it stretch. Growing up like that gives you a different perspective and really does make you appreciate what you have later in life. Most importantly, like you said, once you've lived through it you know you can and aren't as afraid as someone who's had everything they want.