Pathetic story

I had a very serious conversation with a woman yesterday. She is widowed for 12 yrs. now. Her husband died suddenly at a young age, in his early 50,s. She was left to raise children above the age of 16. Yes, they still need guidance! Anyway, she too is ill. She went on ss disability herself and when she became 60 she received 71% of her husbands social security. About 1200.00 a month. That is 300.00 a week- to feed and shelter both her children and herself. She did not quailify for welfare- nor the medical card. Her bills remained the same except for the increases, of course! She was asked to cash in her life insurance policy to deplete any cash value in it. A whopping 2,000.00 dollars, which she did. She was told she can get food stamps and can receive energy assistance to the tune of 400.00 towards her fuel bill, which by the way was cut in half, and 16.00 a month in foodstamps. She proceeded to tell me more stories that actually made my stomach turn. Her children are paying for her health care and her house taxes. They want her to be able to keep Their home. She proceeded to tell me how bad she felt walking into the welfare office. She never thought she'd be in this mess.. None of us do! We are though. We are greiving widows and we are indeed forgotten!! One more lesson she learned from me yesterday---She said well at least I'll get the 255.00 to put towards my burial!! Sorry Romayne, I said no you won't , it is a one time payment from socal security and you got it when your husband died!! God Bless you Romayne and the rest of us!!