I'm glad your Mom is doing ok Tom.

Back in the old days it was common for families to have lots and lots of kids because the mortality rate could be high. Also, many of them were expected to help work around the farm, etc... My Dad was one of 12. My maternal grandma was one of 14. Both were raised on farms and many of the kids had to work the farm (and help with the younger siblings as they were born) etc... Both families were totally self-supporting.