death | TheInsuranceBill

Sort of. Let’s talk about life insurance for a minute. Definitely needs to be at or near the top of the list for everybody. Key here is getting something because reality is that something is better than nothing. The majority of the population can use some financial help when a loved one dies.

This help can be to cover a funeral or other last wishes. It is also important to take some time to grieve. Then of course there are all those household expenses that might be your responsibility. Maybe you have just taken out this policy just so you can leave money to family members because there is no one depending on your income. These are all great reasons to have it in place.

What about the emotional part. What if your actions on this planet were actually being invested for you? The return would then be an almost immeasurable amount of love and support when it is needed most. Now those do not amount to dollars and likely cannot be used to pay bills but there is something to be said for good feelings and support. Is that “policy” as important as the one that gives actual dollars? Depends on who you ask.

Can you have one without the other? Sure, it is easy to simply buy a life insurance policy. The other one actually requires effort and time. See you cannot buy genuine support and feelings. You cannot buy genuine, unsolicited emotions and support…but you can earn it. Since you cannot buy this kind of policy and can only earn it doesn’t that immediately make it more valuable. Money cannot purchase unsolicited, genuine feelings. It cannot make people choose to share and be there for your family when they do not need to be there. You can spend(see donate) a lot of money and probably get a church full of people there. Can probably even get some nice post death awards. But what are those worth?

Key here, I guess, is you can have one without the other but why would you want just the one. I think your family would want both.

Just some ideas.

**Going off topic, will be going a bit personal and not talking much insurance**

So it has been the worst four week stretch in my life. Started with the sudden death of my older brother followed by four weeks of floundering about. I am finding that the floundering about, trying to get back to full speed part to be especially annoying and difficult. Normally there is an article, book or mindset I can apply but none of what I know seems to be working. Either way, you must keep moving forward.

Since I would prefer you never have to learn or have the experiences that death created for me let me share some with you.

1. Totally think that when at a wake some solid eye contact and a hug/handshake/pat on the shoulder is way better than saying “So sorry…” or “How are you..” Just like when doing business or closing a sale sometimes saying nothing is best.

2. Despite how many people contact you, write about you, show up to pay their respects, etc there are always more people out there that have no idea who you are. This is a big world, it is great when the world shrinks for a moment but remember it is a big world, make the most of your little piece of it.

3. It is absolutely true that in times of adversity you will see true character emerge. Scary to think how many people just float about life completely self absorbed. Never forget that more times than not you have no idea what is going on in another persons life. Sometimes by design sometimes because there is no reason to know but that does not excuse you from acting like a decent human being. ** Thinking of Adam Sandler and Steve Buscemi’s conversation in Billy Madison**

4. Why wait till tomorrow? I have no idea. There have been some very deep things written towards me and I have also been involved in some very personal conversations. Despite how positive the messages are they all hurt. The ones that hurt especially bad are the ones filled with regret of not saying something or meeting him or clearing up some bad feelings. That sticks with you. Stop waiting.

5. Having a to do list, goals, a written plan, etc. was about the only thing that kept working. When your brain is working or when it is mush a written plan is a huge help.

6. As amazing as it is to see a network/tribe/group of people pay homage to one of their own post-mortem it presents a new challenge. How can you maximize your network when death or sickness is not involved? Not sure but I will actively be trying to figure this out. In the meantime, it means a lot to have good wishes, e-mails, contributions to a memorial, flowers, etc. sent to a family. Actually beyond words at this point BUT I cannot help but wonder how many people said these things to him before he died. I suppose the other challenge is really appreciating everything while you have it.

7. Yet to find anyone that talked about all my brother owned instead everything is about what he did. Quite honestly it isn’t much but boy did he have a ton of experiences. Best I can tell is he plowed whatever he had into living life. Memories are the best souvenirs.

8. Do whatever you can to fill your “good will” account as much as your bank account. You have no idea how helpful it has been to have built up my personal good will account. I did not do it to be repaid but since I have made many withdrawals in the last month I gotta tell you how glad I am to have a pretty hefty balance available.

Well I suppose I can keep writing but this will do for now. I would expect to get back to talking insurance soon. I suppose tip nine is;

A good brain dump feels good.