Living an Inusred Life.

Recently my brother was in town. And while what brought him to town wasn't exactly the most exciting of times it did bring about some interesting conversation.

As we sat at the funeral home for the visitation of our sweet "Big Mama" we began talking about life insurance. Isn't it always the most drastic of times that make you think about such things? But really, how fitting is it? I mean you are sitting in a funeral home with the obvious gloom of death and the reality that someone has to pay for this, right? And what about those left behind?

It was this moment when Jeff asked me about Travis' life insurance. I had to fight back a small chuckle because really, I think that is all I can do about this topic. "What do you mean Travis' life insurance?"

Which sparked a lengthy and somewhat draining conversation. For those wondering, yes, Travis had a very good life insurance policy from the Marine Corps. (and his funeral was paid for by the Marine Corps.)  and no Jacob & I were not the receivers of any benefits. While I was not expecting any benefits, I assumed that Travis had secured Jacob for such loss. However, Jacob has had pretty much no benefits given for loosing his father at 13 months old, still 2 years later, and probably never will.

Then my brother said something that pulled at my heart strings. "Well if I die tomorrow, 100% of my life insurance goes to Jacob" wow.  While I am humbled by the fact that at 20 years old my brother seems to have an understanding of this all, it saddens me that at 27 Jacob's father didn't secure his life. It saddens me even more that those left to make the decisions don't seem to understand it all either. I am so grateful for the love that my family has for Jacob and how they have all done something to make sure that from now on Jacob will forever be taken care of, whether I am here or not.

Do you think about your life and what happens to those left behind should something happen to you? Do you have children that will be greatly affected by your loss? Or a spouse/ ex-spouse that will be left to raise your children alone? Do you have guardianship papers drawn up for your children?

I would be lieing if I said that I had all this thought about before Travis' death, becasue quite frankly at 24 it was the last thing on my mind. It was a life lesson and one that I don't wish on anyone. So, one of the first things I did in the days shortly after, was secure my life for Jacob. Jacob will benefit 100% should something happen to me and should something happen to me before he turns 18, he has legal guaridanship appointed by me and even two back up legal guardians should the first preceed me in death or the inability to care of him. Everything in my Will, etc. goes to Jacob and the one left to raise him. As it should.

While I had to learn a very hard lesson about life insurance and its potential to destroy relationships and how life could be lived, I came out on top. Much wiser and I can guarantee you that Jay & I are living an insured life, and Jacob will never do without.