Hey, Nat. I just went back and read your thread, I wish I would have seen it sooner if nothing else just to give you a virtual hug.
Been there, almost 2 years post bankruptcy now. I have worked full time since I was 16, raising 7 kids and went to school full time. I paid my bills on time and thought we had it all together. Then my husband's towing business went under 5 years ago (when the cost of diesel and insurance skyrocketed). My husband took a full time job and we started to dig our way out. Then my son became very ill, causing us to have to make the choice of one of us staying home with him full time. My husband was the choice as my insurance paid for his medical needs and we needed our insurance. Half of our income was gone in a blink. Bankruptcy soon became the only answer for our families survival.
The past 2 and a half years have been interesting to say the least. My husband is still not working, and our family depends solely on my income. Eating McDonald's is a luxury now days.
We started raising chickens as a way he could make a few dollars and be home for our son. Somehow it has actually drawn us together and given us a common interest besides surviving and if our son is having a "good" day or "bad" day. Its amazing how exhausting life can be sometimes.
This place, this thread in particular, has been a great place to runaway too. Often I just read as I can usually only get on late in the evening (west coast time), and all are asleep. If you need anything feel free to pm me. I have learned along time ago, that until you walk a mile in a persons shoes.....you can fill in the rest.
Lots of hugs and good thoughts to you. Thank God you still have your family- as in the end, they are who is important.