'You never know where a blessing can come from.'Teena MarieWHEN we were children, most of us believed in Santa Claus or wished he was real. How many of us tried to stay awake on Christmas Eve, waiting for our turn to see and receive our gifts from the man with the fat belly, white beard and a red suit? But almost always, he would conveniently 'come' after we fell asleep. Growing up, we would equate Santa Claus with gifts and vice versa. And even now that we're adults, we would still call anyone who comes bearing gifts Santa.Let me share the story of my friend Bree and her recent encounter with her 'Santa.' Bree was employed while her husband ran a small business. They have three kids, all enrolled in a private school. Everything was going well until August this year when her husband was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was sudden and fast. Bree had no time to process her emotions as the treatment had to start immediately. Her husband had to stop working, so their only source of income was from her. She was starting to panic, as the estimated cost of hospitalization and medication would deplete their savings account. Sadly, after two rounds of treatment, her husband succumbed to cancer in November.During the hospitalization and the wake of her husband, there was so much outpouring of love and support from family and friends. Every day, people visit, bringing food, flowers and some cash. While these were all appreciated, we know that they cannot help Bree and her family in terms of their long-term financial requirements. She intimated to me that, during those challenging times, she wished there was a Santa Claus (maybe because everything happened during the 'Ber months') who would grant her wish for financial aid.Her wish was granted! 'Santa' did visit Bree during these trying times for her family. But he did not come riding a sleigh or clad in a red pantsuit. He first came to the hospital, bearing the good news that the insurance policy of Bree's husband has benefits that can cover a substantial amount of the medical and hospitalization expenses. This assurance, somehow, offered her family some relief as they knew they could support the medical treatments without needing to wipe out their savings. Bree's husband did not miss a single treatment or medication. It's just his time was up.During her husband's vigil, relatives and friends expressed concern about her and their children's future. To all, Bree calmly replied: 'Ian made sure that we will be provided for even when he's no longer around.' True enough, just a week after his inurnment, 'Santa' again visited her, bearing this time the check of her husband's insurance proceeds, the amount of which is enough for Bree and her children to continue living the comfortable lifestyle they enjoyed with her husband.Yes, Bree now calls her husband's financial advisor her Santa.She admitted that she was not a believer in insurance and that financial advisors were not her favorite people. She finds it irritating every time she's approached by one. She would rather keep her money in the bank, where she feels it would be safer. Also, as she and her husband were both young and healthy, she did not see the need. Perhaps this is why her husband took an insurance policy without her knowledge.But life has its twists and turns. She never imagined that someone in the same profession she least liked would be the one to bring her good tidings during her family's lowest and darkest moments. Because of the persistence of her husband's Santa, they had the financial resources when they needed them the most. And because of the insurance proceeds, Bree was able to fully attend to her ailing husband and properly grieve his eventual passing without financial worries. 'Santa's presence and provisions' made the most unbearable situation bearable for Bree and her family.Bree is now a strong believer and supporter of life insurance. She now owns multiple policies for herself and her children. It's become her advocacy to share her story and spread to her relatives and friends the benefits of life insurance, and the value of the work financial advisors do. This reminds me of the saying, 'A wife will never appreciate life insurance as a widow does.'How about you? Do you already have your own Santa to help you protect and secure your financial resilience? As we start a new year, let's take time to assess our own preparations. Life is full of risks and uncertainties. Today is fine, but tomorrow is never guaranteed. Regardless of what lies ahead, we should be confidently prepared for it. There are thousands of trained and professional insurance practitioners who can partner with you as you chart your own financial course.So, next time you are approached by a financial advisor, don't dismiss them just yet. Hear them out. After all, you'll never know when you may just need that visit from your not-ordinary Santa.An abundant New Year to all!
