Thanks... yeah, I'm leaning towards calling, probably later today (his bday is actually tomorrow.) I'm very much preparing for us to either not connect (i.e. for him to not answer), or for it to be a very short call, and not expecting any kind of emotional connection at all. I'm thinking, this way I can at least tell T - "look, I did my part" and then maybe we can talk more about ALL the other stuff, b/c I'm not 100% sure he really understood it all. (To me, the "took my college money and then kicked me out of the house" is kind of a BIG thing... not sure T got that, though I think it should be obvious!)

Snakecharmer - Thanks! I'm going to print that out and keep it for reference! I've actually turned off my ringer at this point, so I'm quite a bit less stressed (amazing how that works), but that's such great advice for the future. With this particular group calling, I'm a bit nervous to talk to them at all - I googled them, and they have a reputation for being really awful to people on the phone (yelling, screaming, cussing, etc.). I've had other debt collectors (for my dad!) give up, since I don't ever answer the phone, so I'm thinking I can wait them out. I am very patient/stubborn. Thanks.

IrisBloom - Thanks for sharing your story. That makes sense to me, and it is one of my fears. Thanks...

Zyberzoom - Thanks for the support, and it makes sense. I am preparing myself...!

Music Junkie - Thanks, and I'm sorry you're having to deal with everything going on with your mother. I can't imagine having either of my parents coming to live with me... I seriously think that would push me right over the edge, so I really respect that you can manage to take care of her, despite the bad relationship.

Thanks everyone... like I said, I think I'll probably call him... just not particularly looking forward to it! Thanks!