...... and yet blessed for life, too.
Our oldest son graduated from college this past May. Before he graduated he was offered a job with a very large firm that sells life insurance and does wealth management.
He came home this past weekend so that he and I could discuss long term health care insurance (even though I refused to discuss it with him when he first broached the subject ...... other than to tell him that I was nowhere near 90 years old!).
But I did finally tell him that we could talk about it and he could give me his view on it.
I had also decided that I wanted to take out life insurance policies on my six kids.
Not for them.
Not for me.
But for their future spouses.
None of them are near getting married at this point in time.
But that doesn't matter to me.
Because I've been scarred for life.
Yes, Jim's death has left me forever scarred.
But his provision and security for me and our children has left me forever blessed, too.
He planned for the day that we hoped would never come.
At least not for about 40 or 50 more years.
But come it did.
And much, much sooner than either of us expected.
And I was scarred.
Not only by his death, but by the knowledge that I later gained. The knowledge that most of the married couples I know do not have life insurance.
Or wills.
Most of the husbands I know have not taken action to keep their wives and children secure, in case that day comes too early for them, too.
Even knowing Jim and our family.
Even seeing what can happen.
Even seeing how much Jim loved and cared for his family.
And that infuriates me.
And leaves scars on more people than just me.
There is no excuse.
None.
Especially when you know someone who's died young and left a family behind.
Please know that I am not pointing fingers at any of you here, or your spouse.
I'm talking about people I know ...... who now know better.
And still have done nothing.
I've talked to some of them until I'm blue in the face.
I can only do so much. Then it's up to them.
And it's between them.
But I can do something.
I can make sure that if something happens to one of my children, and he/she becomes seriously ill or injured, their spouse will have enough support to get the help that is needed.
I can make sure that if one of my children dies way before their time, their spouse will receive some financial support to continue caring for their children and themselves.
At least I can do that.
I can make sure that the love and support Jim had for us and for our future, is carried on to them and their families.
I can make sure that my future son/daughter in laws are not left with a burden.
I wish I could do the same for my friends.
And for some of my family.
So that they will be forever blessed.
And not forever scarred.
