About 35 years ago we lived in an apartment in Somerville, which had a porch to hang your clothes out on a line. I was also frightened that the porch would cave in (it wasn't the safest porch) but it never fell. But in my dreams I am hanging off this porch, yelling for help. I can't believe that after 35 years I can still dream about that porch and apartment. I have lived in my present house for over 30 years.
Debbie
Lauri: The porch was a constant cause of worry for you the whole time you lived there and has therefore been imprinted into your subconscious mind as a symbol for worry. Porch = Worry. Worry = Porch. So now, anytime you have something to worry about in your waking life, anytime you fear some project, idea, goal, etc. might "fall through," you'll find you dream about that darn porch!
But there is also a message in these dreams. These dreams are telling you, "Hang in there! Everything will be okay if we just ask for a little help or assistance right now." Whenever you call for help in a dream it means you could really use a helping hand in waking life.