It was hard reading your post because your situation sounds very similar to my own. We, too, are living at poverty level. My mom makes about $100 a week on average, I make only about $60. Rent is $350. Math and... yeah. She and I live together and we, too, can be harsh to each other. I think it's the stress of being in our situation. Often we're told to be grateful we don't live in a third world country. Or to realize others have it worse. That isn't fair. Just because others have it worse, doesn't mean it isn't hard for us, too. It doesn't mean we don't think about those who have it worse (in fact, it is one of my triggers as thinking people have it worse than me depresses me greatly).

Food stamps can be hard to balance... You end up buying cheap things. Things full of carbs. Boxed foods made with corn syrup. I hate that people judge you for that. I hate that they do. I understand why you have to. Because we have to, too. I haven't been wanting to eat because of it. I'm the opposite of your son in that respect. We have pets, too. We got them all *before* it happened. People judge us sometimes. But pets are for life. Besides, I'm not sure either of us would still be here if not for them. We do have to get help taking care of them occasionally. I have an online friend. She loves animals. She often sends food for them. Bless her heart...

My point in all of this is that... I understand. I know our situations aren't exactly the same, but I wanted you to know that you're not alone. Your words could have just as easily been written by my own mother and that struck a cord in me.

I really get where you're coming from with this line. Money may not buy total happiness, but I'd rather be unhappy knowing with 100% certainty I will have a home next week.