On December 14, 2019, our family’s world was rocked to the core when our beloved Pop was taken to his heavenly home.  Watching a loved one decline as they age can be one of the most challenging things to endure.  When Pop’s eyesight started going, he began to slow down, but he still was able to get out and do small jobs around the house.  As long as he could work on small projects and help us out, he was happy.  Taking care of his family was all he ever wanted to be able to do.  No matter how he felt or what was going on, he did his best to help in any way possible.  He had been doing this practically his entire life, all hard, but beautiful 79 years.

About 20 years ago Pop purchased a life insurance policy to ensure that we had enough for his funeral.  After losing his beautiful wife, he realized how expensive funerals could be, and in typical fashion, he didn’t want us to have to worry about it.  As he aged, I should have looked closer at the policy, but I didn’t....I thought we had time.  I never expected that when I took him to the hospital in October, that he wouldn’t be here to celebrate Christmas with us.  

Unfortunately,  the life insurance policy he purchased was a 5-year term policy.  Most likely because he didn’t know better, and the monthly cost was lower, it looked more appealing, especially considering he lived on a fixed income.  Even though he paid quite a bit into it, this policy now will only pay $2400.  While it helps, it is far from enough to cover the funeral costs.  He made me promise one thing, and that was to take him home to Virginia to be laid to rest next to mama.  I made sure to keep that promise....the insurance money doesn’t even cover that expense.  

We did not have an extravagant funeral, it’s not his style or our’s, but the costs add up, and boy did they add up quickly.  As a family, my siblings & I will do what we have to because we would do anything for our daddy.  But as we process our loss, and as much as it feels as though time stands still, we know that is not true and is evidenced by the hospital bills that are beginning to come in and the cost of the funeral.  We are overwhelmed.

We know that most of our friends and family live on tight budgets just as we do, so please know that even the smallest donation will be accepted with immense gratitude.  Whether you can donate or not, we do ask you to keep us in your prayers, and please...take a look at your own life insurance policy, create a file for your loved ones, and make your wishes known.