I agree with Dean,  Both TCPIP Illustrated and Internet Core Fundamentals arer good books for noobs, since they provide an understanding of prots

Firstly, remarkable story, I applaud you for your strength, to be knocked down so many times and still come fighting, think I know many people including myself who need to take a page from your book.

So to business, you have done quite alot and as you said u still want more,
from the looks of things your preference is Forensics. 

There are many materials out there that you can use in this pursuit, but I think I can recommend a product for you to learn about, that I personally like, that is a bootable tools cd called Helix.  It's design is for forensics.
Check it out.

If you want to take a look at something else, (weigh the options a bit), look in our certifications tab above, there are three main subjects, read up on each one, see which one you can identify with and unleash the potential.

well you've come to the right place.  If you wanna get started, get reading, since you said you downloaded literature.
The best advise I can give you, since you said you wondered about the burning question...

Find out
What is Ethical Hacking?
What is Forensics and how it encompasses IT?

Ponder on the result.  Then after careful consideration (more than five minutes) ask yourself if you think this is gonna be the path that you will follow for the rest of your life.  It does sound like forever and well yes it is.  Both these branches involves daily research, and cannot be learned by just studying a manual, you'll learn as you go, that's how i do it.

Many people think security is all fun and games, believe me it is, that is if you are cut out for it.  If your passion is here, then despite the hours studying/ researching, besides the deadlines which may somehow manage to be completed in the nick of time, and of course the higher ups breathing down your neck, it will never seem boring and frustrating.

I may not have the certs but I have the heart and this is what has kept me in IT security for so long.

I think I'm straying, but to make a long story short, the questions above  are the most important thing to do if you want a good starting point.

If after careful consideration, this is the place for you, start reading the manuals, then come back and let the community know your progress and problems.
This is one of the forums where beginners to elites feel comfortable, so let your questions rip (with hard research done before though).

And welcome to the fold

Just adding my two cents,
i hope no one is detered by what I am about to say, CCSA NGX is a tough exam, however knowing your material inside out and not relying much on braindumps, practice q&a,... is great but every little thing counts. 
There is a vm available on opsec for your use, practice, and the entire smartconsole is there.

As in any course of study, don't just know what is there for the exam but what is beyond and you will find true success.

I wish all you who read this well and don worry with a bit of work CCSA NG / NGX is achievable.

Good Luck