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What can you do for widowed homemakers who raise children for 30 years who need to retire?

I gave up my life to raise my daughters alone after their father passed. I found myself working 2 and 3 jobs simultaneously to make ends meet all the while bill collectors and prices continued to rise and the IRS never let up. I received minimal tax returns and survivor social security ended as soon as the girls turned finished high school to include my benefit ceased when the youngest turned 16 and since I never had extra money I could not go bankrupt all I could do is stop paying. I did nothing to afflict myself or our lives with such hardship but now that I am 50 I cannot retire because there is no financial support. During those years working 2 and 3 jobs I was also studying so I am able to work but daily pains make the work day unbearable. I did not have every other weekend off and I raised 3 very hard working daughters who would like to send money home but find it difficult. I appreciate the attempts and assistance to help the poor but I deserve my schools loans to be forgiven and for some federal support so that I may retire rest. Before the howling begins, I was left to be mother, father, babysitter, maid, transporter, lawn care, auto care, home repair, therapist, educate, cook, shop, advocate, wage earner, and so much more that I cannot mention to completion. I did all to the satisfaction of their lives but Im tired now and ready to rest. Molly Flores 832-444-7988 mflores0261@yahoo.com

Public Comments

1. It's time for your daughters to help you, not the general public dear. Go back to school at night or on line and upgrade your education. Check grants and business loans for women starting businesses. Your school loans are your responsibility. I am sure you've been deferring them for decades rather than try to put even $50 a month on them to reduce them. Speak with your daughters and ask for their financial assistance until you can sort things out.
2. I can tell by your words how tired you are. I was in a similar position. I, too, was all the professions you have mentioned. And, like you, I was near exhaustion. I only held one job since I was 15 years old. Worked some weeks over 50 hours. There were too many times to mention that I wanted to throw everything away. But I didn't. I cannot share your feelings about having to pay school loans simply because I never had any. But I can share your obvious feeling of being fed up. I don't think words are what you really need right now but that's all I have to offer. Sometimes we don't realize how good we have it because what we do have looks so bad. This is what I mean. Maybe it will help. Yes, I went through some tough financial times. I worried and cried. But I had one more problem that many never have. Thank goodness. I was recovering from someone physically hurting me. If I explained what it was, you wouldn't believe me. It was very, very bad. So bad that I nearly lost my life. It took me years to get over what I went through. In a way, I still am. I went to work sometimes hurting so bad that I didn't think I'd make it through the morning much less the entire day. But somehow I did. I'm not looking for pity. Never liked it. I told you this because it may bring to light a saying I remember my mom telling me. "You don't know what you have until it's gone," I know things look bad to you right now but remember that things could always be worse. Sometimes we have to believe that there's a reason we're going through everything right now. I believe in fate. I believe that everything happens for a reason. 50 is nowhere close to being old. You have many years in front of you. Good years. Keep believing things will improve. I have a feeling they will for you. Just remember that this to shall pass. And it will.
3. Suck it up Princess. What makes you think you should be entitled to retire at 50? Retirement age is 65. And you rec'd government benefits to help you raise your children. You are entitled to widow's benefits. You are also expected to pay your debts. You have lots of years left to work. I was widowed at 22 with a 16 month old child. You aren't more special than anyone else.