Rising Gas Prices: Forcing an Uncomfortable Move

As a divorced mother living in Paducah, Kentucky rising gas prices have hit me significantly; I originally moved to Western Kentucky to escape harassment from a vindictive ex-husband. My goal was to live as far away from him as I legally could in order to live in safety and peace.

As a result of this decision I drive 350 miles round-trip to Elizabethtown four times a month for child visitation exchange and take a 700 mile round trip to his Central Kentucky town at least once a month for court in my 1999 Ford Windstar Van.

I have removed the center bench seat in the van and lightened it up as much as possible so it gets about 20 miles to the gallon. With this mileage I spend about $320 a month in gasoline (at $3 a gallon) just dealing with my ex alone in order to live in a safe environment. This does not include local driving, for I have already cut it down to the bone by walking and riding a bicycle.

Gas prices are only going up but since that drive will not relent for several years I have decided upon a frightening move: I am moving closer to my ex to reduce my travel expenses.

I cannot move back to the same town with him safely but I have some relatives who live about an hour away who volunteered to help me relocate. Unfortunately the expense of gasoline (and a truck rental) are much more than my furniture is worth so I am leaving almost all of it behind.

I am worried about moving so close to my ex-husband but I am in hopes that having my family nearby will discourage him from trying anything.

I am resentful that the Kentucky Court system has forced me to this but I also understand that they have to uphold the law.

I am frustrated that practicality means that I will leave almost everything behind. I feel like a refugee who is fleeing Western Kentucky with the clothes upon my back. However, these gasoline prices aren't going anywhere soon so I will do what I must to survive. In this case it means starting over yet again.

I am one of the lucky ones in that I have family and friends who support me. I am very fortunate that I am mobile enough to be able to make this decision. I wonder sadly how others will manage who own homes they cannot sell or have jobs they cannot leave. I am able to make drastic changes to reduce the amount of money I spend in gasoline, but others are not so lucky.

I have always considered unconventional methods to regulate my gasoline expense. In 2006 when gasoline prices were above $4 a gallon I purchased a bicycle and rode it the four miles to my public job. I even placed a basket upon the back and used it for small trips to the grocery--something I still do to this day.

I currently work at home so my location will not affect my income; this move will greatly decrease how much I spend and allow more free money with which to pay the bills. I look forward to being freed from the financial juggling I have to do currently to make those trips!

I could get upset at these gasoline prices but for some reason I am not. I cannot change what is; I can only roll with the punches. However, these rising gas prices have made me consider well exactly what my future home will be, as I hope to avoid another painful decision like this in the future.