Wow, Kristi, I'm sorry that happened to you, as if you hadn't already been through enough. Hugs!!!

One thing I've noticed is that the fifties seem to be prime time for getting laid off or fired. Sometimes they think they can hire someone younger for much cheaper. Other times, it's because companies don't want to pay accrued pensions, benefits, etc. But on a positive note, when my husband was laid off at 55, it ended up being one of the best things that ever happened. He pounded the pavement for months with no success, and he was discouraged. He had been a high earner in his field for many years. But then he kind of fell into a school teaching job, and that's a story in itself of how that ended up being the best thing ever.

Good luck! My prayer is that you can look back on this is a good thing that leads you to something much better.