Dear May, Happy Mother's Day to you! It is on this day that you were given a sign. A wonderful gift of courage and direction has come your way. It is in being a mother that you have found your strength. I understand how things can seem so hopeless. I have felt those emotions for many, many years myself. How many children do you have and what are their ages if you don't mind me asking? Where are you in the divorce process? Do you work? Where are the courts here? How did he get away with stopping to pay the mortgage on the family home with I assume minor children in the house? A home is of course your first priority. Maybe start by going through things and figure out if you will need to down size. You really need to get prepared. At least we are going into spring and summer and the furnace may not be a priorty. How close to the actual house are the most threatening trees? The trees other than the safety concerns actually sound wonderful. I used to live in Nebr. and now live in So Ca and there just aren't trees all around like that here. If you lay out your plans and maybe try to be moved in Sept. when kids start school again that gives you a few months to work this out. He has to pay child support and maybe spousal support also. What kind of man would allow his children to live this way? I am just amazed by this. How much family support can you count on? Are you active in a church because they usually will help. I know you will be able to do this for your children. I hope you have a lawyer. Tell the lawyer your situation. Tell the ex about the furnace. Our prayers are with you. It feels empowering to start to take action. As you start to find you can take care of your problems it will get alittle easier. Seek out whatever help you can find. People do actually care.