Thank you all so very much!

[asphaltcowboy]

Thank you for your post, congrats on all your hard work and not giving up

[DaniBananiie]

You are truly my inspiration. I'm sitting here at my desk crying because you're such an amazing person. You're incredibly strong and that's awesome!

[IcEWoLF]

This was inspirational, I am so happy that you had a second opportunity to enjoy your life. I also loved your never give up attitude. Wish you only the best in life.

[longtermgardener]

Kudos !! Thanks for sharing. Your life is really inspiring and your never say die attitude is example for others.

[1_2]

Thanks everyone. Going back and reading what I wrote this morning with fresh eyes, I realize I made myself sound like a victim. I share blame in the story too. I could have and should have left long before I did and I wouldn't have been in such a sad shape. It was my decision to stay and it wasn't out of loyalty or even love. It was out of cowardice I stayed. I didn't believe I could make it on my own but I learned the hard way that I can. .

 My main objective in writing this was to let people know that if I can pull myself up out of the gutter, anyone can. If you aren't yet where you want to be, just don't give up, work as hard as you can because we are all in charge of our own selves and our own destiny.

Everything happens for a reason. We may not know what that reason is for a long time, if ever, but it does. Being homeless humbled me. I have learned not to be so judgmental when I see someone on the side of the road holding a sign begging for money. No, I never did that, I never asked for or received any charity from any person, any organization or government program. I'm too prideful for that--even to my own detriment,  but I don't judge those who do.   ..

[awiser]

Thanks for posting your story. What you've worked through and have accomplished is amazing. You're amazing.

[eddie84]

Yah, what a story!  Like everyone said, I'm glad that you've overcome the obstacles and now starting to rebuild again.  Wish you best of luck in the future.  When you go through stuff like this it defines your character and can be a life-changing experience for some.  Thanks for posting.

[B335is]

Wow, amazing story...I don't know what else to say to it.  Not once did it sound like you were playing the victim in all of it.  Just the fact that you can openly discuss the high and not so high points in your life without embellishment made me think you were telling your story from the heart.  I'm really glad things have started to turn around for you.

[loviedovie]

1_2- WOW! Thanks SO MUCH for posting. These are the kinds of stories everyone needs as inspiration that things really can turn around. So incredible that you stuck with everything when times were so hard. And now look how far you've come!

You said thanks to everyone in the forums but honestly, you deserve a round of applause my dear. Congrats. <3

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Congratulations!
This truly defines American Exceptionalism! You had it all, lost it all and worked hard to get it back.
You deserve it!