What is Left Behind

A couple of weekends ago, I spent a good portion of my Saturday and Sunday reviewing written and video essays from college scholarship candidates. These college-bound young adults have the unfortunate commonality of having a parent that has passed away without life insurance. Some were due to prolonged illness and others completely sudden and without warning. They were asked to explain how this loss has affected them, how they plan to pursue their dreams despite this loss, and how life insurance would have made a difference for them. It was absolutely heart breaking to read how their lives were shattered and then inspiring to see how they have picked themselves up despite it all. I was a complete mess…every time my husband walked into the room I was crying and when my little 2-year-old wandered in I would just hug him tightly and smother him with kisses.

“Life insurance was just something that he didn’t “get to”. I realize now that it is so important to plan for the future and to secure life insurance regardless of your age or how healthy you are. Your family will be thankful that you planned for their future. In our family’s case, life insurance could have been used in many ways from paying daily living expenses, to college, to keeping my dad’s business operating.”

The nature and degree of burden placed on the kids was striking. Some were forced to grow up so quickly, as they watched the surviving parent grieve so deeply that they completely checked out. This required the child to take on a roll of responsibility that would not have happened otherwise. I am sure the surviving parent was just so overwhelmed with the loss, lack of options, and the dire financial situation. Every single one of the candidates worked multiple jobs not to afford luxuries like cell phone, movies, or shopping…they had these jobs to help put food on the table, roof over their family’s head, and savings for college.

“Not everyone grows old.”

I have always known that my health and my body would greatly determine my quality of life. But when I had my son, it became even more important to me as it would also have immeasurable effects on my son’s quality of life. Our health is our MOST valuable asset. Protect it, ensure it, hold is sacred…if not for you, then for your children.

I have always known that my health and my body would greatly determine my quality of life. But when I had my son, it became even more important to me as it would also have immeasurable effects on my son’s quality of life. Our health is our MOST valuable asset. Protect it, ensure it, hold is sacred…if not for you, then for your children.

“Our mother’s decision to not invest in life insurance left her family in a financial crisis. I share my story with whoever will listen to preach the importance of planning and investing in your family’s future.”

Life insurance would not have taken the pain of such deep loss away from any one of the candidates. However, the insecurity, the stress, the financial burden, and the ability to attend college…ALL could have been alleviated by life insurance. I have been blessed to have both my parents throughout my life. I could not imagine what my siblings and my life would have been like had one or both passed while I was in high school or college. Having two younger siblings that I already played “Mother Hen” to would have required so much from me and may have resulted in many sacrifices on my part without life insurance. But I grew up knowing that my parents had life insurance and I would not have to worry in that regard. Even now, I am so appreciative to have them so active in me and my child’s life, as I know many people my age do not have both parents thriving and present. And I know that I will not have to take money from our family savings, my child’s college fund, or ask for help at church to give my parents a proper send off. I am so thankful that they have cared enough about me and my siblings to plan and invest in Life Insurance.
​#ProtectWhatYouLove♥