Hi John,
Thank you for sharing your interesting story.
i'm having to start over too in many ways, including a big financial hit. I find I'm scrambling to get back to work and rebuild after our savings ran out due to business downturn, irresponsible spouse and my not taking better protective measures (it was myinheritance and savings). It's the protective measures I fault myself for and perhaps to seeing an attorney earlier to stop him enough to realize I mean no.
It is hard to go down like that but try to focus on what you still have -. some $ cushion, knowledge to rebuild, release from shallow connections, and sounds like a budding new social network. You know who you are. Money is a tool, security, fun. Enjoy the process of rebuilding your life and your bank balance.
Peace,
Stirred