Responding with a fix.
Resetting the pram by holding down the <option-apple-p-r> keys at startup allowed the system to startup (you'll have to hold the keys down for about 30 seconds. When I did this the "caps lock" light blinked and flashed and the startup "bongggggg" sounded. That's a really nice sound to hear when things aren't going so good.
So far so good? Almost... I still had to change the display resolution and frequency to another setting that works with this monitor (my apologies, I don't remember the resolution, but the frequency is 75Hz). It took 3 tries of restarting and resetting pram when I didn't choose a compatible display setting, but I found a combo that works and is readable.
How did this happen in the first place? I have no idea. I have a feeling someone at home is learning about the system preferences. I'm just glad I found a fix.
Problem solved, and the missus is happy again.
Thanks,
Canoe