well first of all, in the legal world, no previous employer can really give out much info at all, just that you were employed there from...to ... of course, i'm a realist and i'm sure any dumb employer might take a chance and imply something negative.
don't know all the specifics but your leaving and not going back to your job in '08 enabled them to not pay you unemployment. that is for someone who has been fired or laid off.
there are job sites like monster.com, etc. i have had friends successfully obtain employment through this venue even recently. you have some skills that certainly are needed. at these sites you can post your resume so the employer can "screen you" for your skills and see your work history. this may open more doors for you.
temp agencies are great places to get that "foot in the door". if they like your work, they very well may ask to hire you on a full time basis.
as for why you left your last position. it wouldn't be a fib to say there was a family medical situation that was totally unexpected and your family asked you to step in and help. that's really not a fib cause you were the family member. get it? they may ask you if this may happen again and you can assure them," no. the situation is taken care of." your work history i hope reflects you have had a stable history with employers except for the last one. score 1 for you!
ask some friends if their employer is looking for someone to hire, even if it's a temporary position at first. word of mouth gets around. "sell" yourself.
follow up is important, especially in this economy. once you submit an application or resume, give it a few days and follow up by phone. the early bird gets the worm.
keep a positive attitude; for every "no, we don't need anyone", that just makes the odds better for the "yes, you're hired!" (oh, happy day)
i hope that perhaps my suggestions may help you. i wish you the very best on your job search. keep us posted will you?