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When my husband and I first split up, the kids and I were doing okay financially. About two months later, my husband decided he wouldn't watch the kids anymore for me to go to work. I struggled to find a babysitter, and shortly after, I lost my job. Raising three children, paying a mortgage, along with bills became quite a struggle.

The inevitable happened. Creditors started to call on an hourly basis. I started to receive disconnection notices in the mail. My heart would jump at the sound of the phone ringing, and I cringed at the thought of getting the mail everyday.

Eventually, my stress wore thin, and I went to the local Social Services office, hoping that I could get welfare assistance, until I could get back on my feet again. At this moment, I found out that the $1000.00 that I was bringing in through child support and baby bonus payments, was enough for me to survive. If I were to join the welfare system, they would deduct some of that money, as it was more than the government would allow for welfare cases.

My world seemed to fall apart around me. I lost a lot of faith in the world, as I struggled to feed my children and keep the roof over our heads.

A few close friends emptied out their own cupboards, to fill mine. A local church donated money to pay for our gas bill so that it wasn't disconnected. A group called Pathways, paid for my hydro bill. I was filled with the sense of hope again, knowing that someone, somewhere, was watching out for us.

Left overs became an every other day thing, and I found myself eating less, to make sure my kids could have what they needed.

When I missed my first mortgage payment, my ex husband gave me three weeks to get out of 'his' house. Once again, it seemed as though my life was crashing down around me. I barely had enough money to pay my bills, let alone save the money for first and last month's rent.

My mom came to my rescue, at the last second, giving me the money I needed to get a small two bedroom apartment, up the street from my oldest's school. It was a dingy little place, and not in a great area, but it was out of my ex's 'house' and away from his threats.

Slowly, but surely, my life got back together. I was able to get a secure job, with a decent paycheck. I was able to catch up on the bills that I was having troubles with before, and I was able to budget. I learned so much about my own strength within that short time period, as well as the will power I held inside to make sure my family got through such a struggling time.

I also learned of the love that I was surrounded with. People stepped up and gave to me, when they didn't need to. Organizations helped me out, when I believed that no one cared.

Community support is the first place to turn, when you are struggling. They can offer you the help, encouragement and advice that you need. Never give up on yourself or your family...a door is always opening, when the rest of them slam behind you.

Learn more about this author, Catherine Graham.
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