How to Handle Social Security Benefits When A Loved One Dies

Dear Savvy Senior, How are Social Security benefits handled when someone dies? After a long illness, my 68-year-old father has only weeks left to live.

2 Cents Worth

Oh! it's heart breaking to go to Rotan and see the damage done in my home of Fisher County. Joe and have gone 2 times over there and just breaks my heart, but so thankful there were not people hurt.

Mr. Jefferson’s Independence

Last year, shortly after July 4, I wrote an essay entitled “Local Independence.” In it, I observed rural communities cannot thrive independently without local economies serving their people.

Max Sherman my freshman neighbor

Max Sherman was my next-door neighbor in Kokernot Hall when we were freshmen at Baylor. I must say he has done well for himself.

2 Cents Worth

What a week we have had, these tornadoes I am ready for them to leave, proud of the rain, but it sure has been a hard week for all of us from Matador, Texas, came on down south all the way to Rotan and had things blown away all the way down.

On Jayber Crow

Have you ever had a moment in life in which you learn something that you can never unlearn? No matter how hard you try, you can never mentally return to your prior state or see the world the same way again. Depending on the particulars, this can be a bad thing or a good thing.

Faces & Places

“More terrible still are thunder and lightning in the mountains at night, when storms come up from East and West and make war.

A European Cathedral on The Texas Plains

I was privileged to be the guest speaker for the Memorial Day Ceremony at Erichsdahl. The only thing there is a church and a cemetery but the sense of community is extremely strong. People came from the nearby communities of Stamford, Avoca, Lueders, Pleasant Valley and other places further away.

Old Glory News

I hope everyone has enjoyed the cooler weather we have had. I hear from the weatherman that the temp is going to rise and keep rising. I guess we are expecting it and although we gripe about it, it's our way of life and we take it as it comes.

Health Insurance Options After a Spouse Retires

Dear Savvy Senior, My 63-year-old wife, who’s doesn’t work, is on my health insurance plan through my employer. When I retire next month and go on Medicare, what are our options for getting her health coverage until she turns 65? Is there some kind of Medicare coverage for dependent spouses?