My husband and I buried our beloved dog this past Sunday. He wasn’t just any dog, he was family. We brought him home from the Bonnie and Clyde Trade Days nine years ago. He immediately stole our hearts and has been a huge part of our lives ever since. Through college, infertility struggles, losing our first home to a fire, bringing two babies home and much more, Scooter was always there. He loved me no matter what. And even though he had fallen to third fiddle after “welcoming” two human brothers into our home, I loved him madly. I have cried many tears since his burial. And will continue to cry more… I am sure of it.
As I sat holding him, wrapped up in a towel, waiting for my husband to finishing digging his final resting place, something came to my mind. People lose children. Real children. Not fur babies, but actual human beings. Oh, how the pain must be unbearable. I was thinking I might need a day off of work to get myself together after Scooter’s passing. How do parents feel when they lose a child? I don’t think a day off of work cuts it. Even though my heart was broken into a million pieces from Scooter’s passing, I was able to look both of my boys in the eyes and realize how blessed I was that I hadn’t lost one of them.
I hope and pray that I never have to go through losing a child. But I do want to tell you something I’ve done for myself and my husband just in case something tragic happens. You see, my financial advisor told me as I applied for life insurance that we needed to get a “children’s rider”. I didn’t really understand what that meant until she went into further detail. “If something happens to your boys, you’ll automatically receive $25,000. It will allow you to bury them, without any financial stressors, and take time off of work.” I could not give her a “yes” answer fast enough.
Do I enjoy thinking about something possibly happening to one (or both) of our sweet boys? No I don’t. It’s a very uncomfortable situation to think about. But I also have to remind myself that parents have lost children in the past and it will continue to happen in the future. And my husband and I could be those parents. Will that $25,000 help the pain go away? Will it bring back my kid(s)? No, it won't. And I'm not pretending that it will. But what I am saying is that it would allow us to take a little time to heal. On top of all the other emotions, we would not have to worry about funeral costs and rushing back to work.
Isn't it strange how losing a pet can be so painful but also bring many different things to light? I have a question for those reading. What have you done to protect yourself from such a travesty as losing a child? Don't wait! Call your financial advisor today to get the ball rolling. And if you don't have a financial advisor, just call our office. We will be glad to help.
Rest in peace my dearest Scooter. I'll always love you!
