hello,
sorry you are in crisis mode - me and my big mouth would tell you to stay where you are, talk to a lawyer and make sure you get alimony to cover your utilities, etc. get rid of nonessentials, clean your house - have a garage sale. give away pets you can't care for to good homes and hang in there! are you sure you really want him to go? have you tried counseling? 44 years is a long time and lots invested. could your marriage be turned around? do you have any pleasant things in common any more? kids? if he does go, you could also consider a roommate, although that could be tough, but would cut most of your expenses in 1/2.
