being alone in difficult times ?

Boy have I ever! When my first marriage ended due to my husband's abusive ways, I had to quit college to support my three children. I never received child support. My family lived close by and did what they could, but for the most part, I was on my own. I was so alone, and really scared. I couldn't provide my children with much, and did without so much for myself so they would have...even food. I remember actually selling some of my nicer clothes to a resale shop and pawning some things so my son could attend his Senior Prom. It was the most difficult time in my life. But I made it through. I didn't think I would, but I did. Through those tough times, I discovered an inner strength I never knew I possessed. I look back now and I still ask, "How in the world did I make it through that?" The only answer I can come up with is "one day at a time." People often respond with, "Oh, you're a victim," when I tell them I was physically, mentally and emotionally abused during me first marriage. I proudly respond with, "No, I'm a survivor!" I have to honestly say I would never go back and change anything, because being the strong woman I am today is worth it. I know I'm not invincible, but I also know I can take on anything and it will not defeat me. Doesn't mean there's not going to be tough times in the future - there will be. But I'm ready...bring it on! It's amazing, this thing they call the human spirit. The inner strength we possess is equally as amazing. It's there, in each of us. We only need to tap in to it.