Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I am the 99%



I am a 23 year old divorced mother of two small children. My ex husband has custody because he makes $200/month more than I do. His parents are well off and got him a private lawyer. I live 6 hours away and pay $120/month (reduced from the $400/month, HALF my *then* income, that the judge wanted to order), can't afford to go see them, and can't bring them here to visit because I lost my place. I miss them very much. I can't get through a phone conversation with them without breaking down into tears. They beg for their mommy everyday. I'm only thankful that at least they're living well. I am not homeless because a friend is allowing me to stay in his garage. That's 5 full grown men, myself, and 5 large dogs living in a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom house. Winter is coming and there is no climate control in the garage. I have an AA but I work as a hostess living paycheck to paycheck. They just cut my hours from 30+ to less than 20 (closer to about 14) a week. I have no savings, no health insurance, no car, no credit, and over $30,000 in medical debt because of a genetic kidney issue. I work HARD!!!! I am scared! I am the 99%.