I'm amazed you have come through all that you have described without being bitter. I can't say I have suffered the many things you have, but I have learned to do many of the things you have learned to do in order to be self-sufficient just in case. My parents who did not grow up well off, always taught me and my seven siblings to learn as much as we could about home repair, gardening, and so many other things that they had to learn when they first got married. Over the years they gained momentum, and taught me and my siblings a lot about finance and how sticking together would make life much easier for us.
I truly appreciate the fact that you were able to continue on after struggling for many years with someone who in the end decided to leave you for someone else. I know that must have been hard for you. I'm so glad you didn't let that get you down. Congratulations on sticking it out in the work place and making it to retirement. I hope you at least had a small pension from your former employment. It is nearly impossible for many people I know to make it on just social security these days. My prayers are with you, and I do hope the new bill concerning social security will be passed and you will be able to take advantage of it so that all of those years you put in with no pay can at least get a little reward.
Take care, and thank you for sharing your story. 
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