rootswoman, our stories are quite similar. I have a son and a daughter, and they had a "father" (more like another child) for about 10 years until he ran off with someone who would allow him to be a party boy. The nerve of me wanting him to share the expenses, LOL! I got one child support check in the amount of $90 (state garnished), which was swiftly followed by a call from out of state to cuss me out and then he quit that job and moved so he wouldn't have to pay. His party lifestyle resulted in the silly ho losing her house and ultimately, his death. In the meantime, I went to school, managed to buy a modest house and stayed single for many years - just too busy raising them to commit to anybody else. Ironically, he called just after I bought the house and wanted to "come home." (Sure, cuz I want to take care of you now after you're all broke down and sick) Now the kids are 27 and 23 and I have one granddaughter, 3 years old. They all still live in my house. I'm blessed, but it's time for me to have a little freedom now! I'll probably have to move out to get any peace.