As a financial consultant, such moment felt like a lucky break, much like striking 4D. However, life often has unexpected twists, and this story taught me some profound lessons.
Eventually, I never got the chance to meet Ben. Two months after his text message, I received a call from his father enquiring about his insurance policies. Shortly after, Ben passed away at the age of 30 due to cancer.
Lesson 1: Cancer Has No Bias
Ben was the last person anyone would have expected to be struck by cancer. He was a humble, health-conscious individual who did not smoke or drink and was active in sports. His passing left our circle of friends in shock.
Out of curiosity, I googled a little on cancer and discovered that it stems from cells already in our body malfunctioning and multiplying uncontrollably. It’s a sobering reminder that illness does not discriminate.
Ben had just begun a new chapter in his life. He was married a year earlier and had recently moved into a new home. His sudden departure was a painful loss for his family, spouse and friends. I remembered his parents and wife’s tired eyes even though they tried to speak to me as normally as they could.
His death taught me to never take health for granted. Life is precious, and the people we cherish can be gone in an instant. We must appreciate every moment and care for our well-being.
Lesson 2: Insurance Protects Loved Ones, Not Just You
Thankfully, Ben had medical insurance, which covered his hospital bills. But as his friend and financial consultant, I realized I had let him down in another way.
Ben’s insurance payout amounted to just $120,000, derived from two savings policies he bought from me after he graduated. When I started in this profession, I saw it as a sales job—selling whatever clients were willing to buy. I failed to provide Ben with professional advice that could have better protected his family. At the insurance company customer office, I felt shameful when I had to Inform his parents of the limited payout.
Ben’s passing reshaped my approach to my career. I realized the profound responsibility I have to help clients secure their loved ones’ futures. Since then, I’ve pursued advanced certifications like ChFC, CLU, and AEPP to ensure I provide the best possible advice.
A true act of love is being able to care for your loved ones, even after you’re gone. Though I failed Ben, his memory pushes me to ensure others are better prepared.
Lesson 3: Life Goes On, and People Move On
The first self-help book I ever read was Who Will Cry When You Die by Robin Sharma. It taught me that the mourning at a funeral reflects the impact the deceased had on others. While life pauses briefly for grief, it inevitably has to move on.
Years have passed since Ben’s passing. I’ve seen on Instagram that his widowed wife has remarried and is now a mother. It’s heartening to see her rebuild her life and find happiness again.
As for myself, I became an agency leader, grooming a team of professionals to be able to touch more lives through our advice.
This journey has made me reflect deeply. Life is a series of arrivals and departures, with each person we meet leaving lessons to shape our wisdom.
A Gentle Reminder
Writing this is my way of reminding myself to treasure our health and cherish the people around us. Life is unpredictable, but it’s also an opportunity to make a difference. Whether by supporting loved ones, leaving a legacy, or simply being present, we can ensure our impact lasts beyond our time.
Let’s live meaningfully, for ourselves and those we hold dear.
