Life has a way of surprising us, often in the most unexpected and challenging ways. It’s in these moments that we realize the importance of being prepared, especially when it comes to protecting our loved ones. Today, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to share a personal story that highlights why securing life insurance sooner rather than later is crucial.
The Unforeseen Journey
Earlier this year, on January 18th, I received the heart-wrenching news that my father had passed away unexpectedly. The shock and grief were overwhelming, and I found myself on a plane to Colorado to manage his affairs. The experience was emotionally draining, but I pressed on, believing I could handle whatever life threw at me.
However, life had more in store.
Upon returning home, I wasn’t feeling well. At first, I brushed it off as the flu, COVID, or some other bug. But as the days passed, my condition didn’t improve. I eventually found myself doing something completely out of character: visiting urgent care. This was a big deal for someone who avoids taking Tylenol for a headache.
The urgent care team ran a series of tests, including drawing blood. They suggested I get a chest X-ray the following week, suspecting pneumonia. But deep down, I knew something was seriously wrong.
The next night, I decided to go to the ER. After explaining my symptoms and the findings from urgent care, they immediately conducted a chest X-ray. That’s when things took a terrifying turn. I was diagnosed with endocarditis—a bacterial infection in my bloodstream that was aggressively attacking the mitral valve of my heart. In simple terms, the infection was eating away at my valve and releasing material that could have easily caused a stroke.
The situation was dire. I was rushed into emergency open-heart surgery on the morning of February 14th—Yes, Valentine’s Day. What followed was a rollercoaster of recovery, including a few setbacks like atrial fibrillation, an atrial flutter, shingles, and Bell’s palsy, paralyzing the left side of my face. It’s been a long road, but today, I’m feeling relatively normal, attending cardiac rehab twice a week, and grateful that I’m not still lying in a hospital room awaiting my fate.
The Wake-Up Call
This experience was a wake-up call in more ways than one. Even though this was a fluke situation, not a heart attack—my arteries are in great shape, and cholesterol levels are good—I now find myself in a position where I wouldn’t qualify for life insurance. At my age, this was certainly something I never imagined.
I had always believed I was in good health. But the truth is, life can change in an instant, and when it does, the opportunity to secure life insurance can slip through your fingers.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that life insurance isn’t something to put off until tomorrow. You never know what’s around the corner. Waiting to get life insurance until you think you “need” it or until you feel like you’re “settled” can lead to situations where it’s too late.
Securing life insurance while you’re still healthy is one of the best ways to protect your loved ones, no matter what life throws your way. It’s about peace of mind—knowing that if the unexpected happens, your family won’t have to worry about financial stability on top of everything else.
In Short
I’ve usually kept my personal life under the radar, but I’m sharing this story to encourage others to take action. Don’t wait until life forces your hand—get life insurance now while you can. Protect your family, protect your future, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve taken care of what truly matters.
