Liza, I too, like professor Dan have pretty much been lurking since I had nothing to add about your part of the country.
But believe me, we are all "needy" in different ways, at different times in life.
One thing is for sure, you will learn a LOT on this adventure, both about yourself, but also about how to approach different struggles in this journey we call life.
When you are old and gray, you'll have some stories to tell ! Happy belated Thanksgiving.
EDIT: check out a blog called "interstellar orchard" and reach out and have a conversation with that young lady. She has been in a similar situation as you.