I'm loving these vibes. I am definitely glad it wasn't more than $200. I also feel better with the fact that I very seldom ask them for money. I think the last time I did was '04 when I couldn't make my $375 rent payment. THey happily complied then, too. It was easier to ask cuz I was single. I just really hope that they feel somewhat good helping me out. I also wish that I felt a need to go to them for help for non-monatery reasons, but each time in the past I've done that it resulted in shit hitting fan blades, again owing to radically different value sets.

thanks birdgirl, yeah I would sacrifice my whole soul for either of my kids. There wouldn't even be any hesitation. I know my 'rents would too, which is why I don't know whether it was an easy sacrifice for them to make, since they respond postively, with such alacrity.

our financial struggles are very temporary. my wife's been promoted and had a 45% pay raise this year. it was the second kid, a new car, and the medical bills from my chronic daily headaches all at once that put us in the current situation, but we're almost caught up. thanks everyone for caring and for your insights