luckies4me, is there another parent of a young child around that your could exchange childcare with? You know, you watch their kid a few hours a week, and leave Dylan with them a few hours a week ... check your local churches or community organizations, they might have a program like that set up, so that even a part-time job, a few hours here and there, could help with the money problems. When I was in college, I was basically a nanny for one mother and child, in exchange for child care. The second year we did that, I would also take care of another little girl twice a week, so HER mom could have some free time. Taking care of two kids is sometimes easier than one - they keep each other occupied!

As for your old medical bills, could you appeal them, or get your abusive ex to pay them? Maybe small claims court? Had you ever filed charges?

In Mystic's case, you keep watching him, and is aspirin an anti-inflamatory for cats? What inexpensive people drugs might work? Tomorrow, first thing, contact a clinic, and explain you're good for it, and a trained vet tech, and Mystic needs the help now, for which you'd be glad to help later.