Thank you all so very much!

[shanac]

OP your story is incredibly moving and really resonated with me. I stand in admiration of your strength and I salute your tenacity. Much success to you!

[NewGirlNewLife]

I feel honored to have been able to hear of your journey. Thank you for sharing it.

[Anonymous]

There's nothing we can't overcome, truly inspiring story.

[Anonymous]

A few more bright sides of the story is, if I hadn't been forced to go to work everyday, regardless of the physical pain in my ankle--just to survive, I probably wouldn't be able to walk as well as I do now. I can walk 3 miles a day now if I want to. I seldom have any limp at all because I learned to walk without one knowing that people don't want to hire someone with physical problems. I can even wear my beloved stilettos when I want to.

I have been able to help other people with credit problems. None quite as severe as mine were thankfully but 2 friends who needed slightly higher scores to buy homes...both had been brought down by divorces. I referred them both to this forum too and I have helped 1 friend rebuild their 401k.

Because of all this and the fact I'm still here, living in my cute and cozy little house, and I'm happier than Ive been in years and years,  I KNOW everything really does happen for a reason and I needed to go through what I went through--although I doubt anyone could have convinced me of that when I was going through it, lol. Luckily, I didnt have time to feel sorry for myself or sink into the "why me," blues. .Surivial is a humans first and most powerful instinct I believe.   

[youngandcreditwrthy]

This is exactly right! I can't imagine how hard wearing pumps must be lol but they look nice!

You simply can't feel too sorry for yourself when you're in a bad situation. You just gotta work hard and turn it around.
Again, your story is very inspirational.

[mt2va]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.  I also spent 20 years with an alcholic who ruined my finances so I understand where you're coming from, but never ended up homeless.  And also bless you for keeping your dogs with you and not dumping them off at the nearest shelter like most people would do.  I'm glad you were able to turn things around and that you are happy now. 

[traveler2005]

Thanks so much for sharing your amazing story!

[SunriseEarth]

Thank you, 1_2, for sharing your experience.  It's very moving and I'm so happy you've been able to accomplish so much moving forward.

I know what it's like to be with an alcoholic, but I left before things got really horrible (I had even attended Al-Alon for a while to help get through things).  I've definitely been in other relationships that were damaging to my credit, too.  But to combine those struggles is a real whopper!

It's good to see so many people here in the community, in various places with various experiences, but all wanting to improve their situations.  You've definitely shown that people can conquer any challenge.   Thank you and we're glad you're here with us!

[SnackTrader]

Best story I've read on these forums, and there have been a lot of good ones!

Congratulations to you on working out of your rut! So glad you are in a better place today.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't ever have given up my dogs. They are/were my furry kids. One is gone now. She was 13 and developed diabetes. I gave her 2 shots of insulin a day, every 12 hours for over a year, she went blind but did okay with that, then unfortunately she developed an inoperable tumor. She was a half poodle--half sneaky neighbors dog.  It was very difficult to have her put down but I think it was the most humane. The other dog-- a black cocker spaniel, is now 15 years old and very healthy considering his age. I will say that my dogs never went hungry and they always had vet care when they needed it. Just like with children, I put their needs above my own. I did learn to groom them myself though so they didn't get professional grooming for a long time but they didn't seem to mind.

Thanks to all of you for the kind words. If my story helps one person realize they can overcome and achieve their dreams with enough hard work and determination then I am glad to have shared it. Its not something I talk about to anyone I know in person except the ex. Of course everyone in my area knows that the ex and I lost everything we had but they don't know what I went through while I was away. They just know I've come back and that I'm doing fine now. They also know that he (the ex) helped me remodel my house but of course they don't know that I laid a guilt trip on him any Italian mother would be proud of to get him to do it. ) I felt like he owed me that.

In my livingroom I painted the words,  "Nothing is impossible to a willing heart" and I'm living proof of that statement.