This past weekend I got sick.
Really sick.
Felt like I was on my deathbed sick.
By the time my mom convinced me to go to the hospital, I had tried all kinds of ways to get it out of my system. I hydrated. I attempted sleep. I tried sweating it out. Taking a cold shower. Taking OTCs. Moaning on my bed.
None of it was working. So to the hospital we went, health insurance in hand. Honestly, it was kind of scary. They interviewed me. Shoved something up my nose to test for the flu. Had the test come back negative. Then they drew my blood.
They started talking about all of these potential diseases and deficiencies. Kidneys and liver. Family history.
And then they left the room while I was hooked up to an IV bag.
Later, my husband told me that at this point, the first thing he found himself thinking was:
If my wife dies, how the heck am I going to take care of the kids?
Fair question. Though he was probably smart to keep it to himself in the moment.
We split our tasks pretty equitably in our house. Whenever one of us has “free” time, we’re watching the kids so the other can go to work or school. We’re getting dinners ready, driving around to activities and doctors, or just flat out entertaining the most tireless of audiences.
I’m also the primary bread-earner in our household at this moment in time. So losing me would mean losing more than a decent chunk of our income.
I was still kind of surprised with his concern, though.
I have life insurance.
This is exactly why I have life insurance. The policy would replace my income, plus get some platinum childcare, for about four years. That’s definitely enough time for him to finish school and then have a good bit of time to look for employment.
I get it, though. It’s not all about money. It’s not all about income and childcare expenses. It’s an emotional toll. It’s the relief we provide each other. It’s about parenting being the hardest job ever if you give a damn about it, and the fact that losing your partner in your joint vocation would be devastating.
I’m not dead yet.
After much testing, they eventually found out that I had something that could simply be treated with an antibiotic. It was an emotional journey to arrive at a simple answer. But I’m on the mend.
And I swear I’m going to get to all of your emails.
While I was there, though, waiting for those tests, waiting for a diagnosis, I had some time to think. (In between repeated cringes of pain, that is.)
As I was contemplating my mortality, money didn’t pop into my head once. My biggest focus was on recovery. On just getting the heck better.
But what if I didn’t? I wanted more time with my kids. More cuddles. More smiles. More years.
I wanted the people in my life. Not more cash. Not more stuff. Not even any specific, monumental experience. It’s those social ties that are important above any other desire.
I also had in the back of my mind that while I was scared, my fears were probably irrational. No tests had come back positive yet. As far as I knew, I’d most likely live.
And I did. I’m recovering like any normal, young person would from a minor illness, even if it felt like a huge one during the days it invaded my body.
So glad to hear that you’re OK. Stuff like that is extremely scary, and as you found out, can literally happen in pretty much the blink of an eye. Good that you’re prepared.
Thanks, Money Beagle! It really did hit out of nowhere.
Glad you are recovering, and that it made you think. We had a health scare with Jon last summer, and I had many of the same concerns…what would Little Bit and I do without him? And we had a little health scare with our daughter last week and thought what would we have done (and paid) without health insurance?
Oh man. I’m glad everyone is okay. It really can be frightening. Health insurance with kids is huge, as accidents are the leading cause of injury and death at that age. So unpredictable…. Always have to be prepared!
Good to hear you are feeling better. Nobody wants to think about their mortality but you don’t want to be unprepared for something like that especially when you have family. And everybody hates insurance until they need it.
So true. I dislike my premiums so much, but the coverage they provide is worth the peace of mind in a crisis.
Glad you are on the mend! Having a health scare can really make you step back and look at life in a different light. Insurance provides peace of mind that, if the worst were to happen, at least the financial issues wouldn’t be a huge burden.
Thanks, Amanda! And amen to all of that!
Glad to hear you’re okay! I believe these are all questions that run through our minds as a parent, and yes you’re so right, in situations like these all you can think about are those you love and how you’ve spent your time with them. You won’t to squeeze every last drop and make it last as long as possible. Some days all I want to do is just kiss my kid’s cheeks. Those moments are the greatest. Feel better soon!
Exactly! It’s so easy to forget that in the hustle and bustle of day to day life. I’ll be in touch soon, Latoya!
I hope you feel better fast! Yay for having a financial plan in place so that you don’t have to worry about money and replacing your income when you need to focus on healing. That’s why I love money (and not things). It’s about peace of mind!
You don’t think you need it … until you do…
Glad you are ok!
I think life insurance is necessary for everyone, whether that individual has kids or not. It’s an uncomfortable aspect of life that we all have to think about. I believe every individual should be honest and real about the possibilities they could face, as well as how they best can protect the family in case anything were to happen.
Good to hear you are feeling better. Fair question. This is one of the items on my list to complete by the end of the month. Although I am single and do not have children my parent should not have to worry if something was to happen. Great reminder!
It’s a scary thought… one that I think of more often since losing people I love.. We do not know when our last day on earth is. I’m so glad your okay and thank goodness you have life insurance. Now you can concentrate on getting better and not worry!
Glad to hear that you’re OK. I was pretty sick the last week too. I think life insurance is absolutely necessary if you have a dependent and you’re young. However, I think as you eventually become financially independent, you probably don’t need a life insurance anymore.
I am glad to hear you’re much better. You never know the value of good health until you ill. People tend to magnify money in many cases but the truth is that the best things in life are FREE – our health, our children, partners, parent etc.
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