Insurance

Hi, Mike. Figured that would get your attention.

Actually, this is a testimonial to Mike Rodman and insurance agents and insurance companies in general.

Don't anybody go away though, because at the end of this message, I'm going to give you a fact that will blow your mind.

Eight years ago tonight, we had a home.

Eight years ago tomorrow morning, we didn't.

I think most of us go through life resenting the darned insurance bill everytime we write a check. I sure did. Then in one fell swoop, it was all worthwhile.

Within 4 days of Hurricane Andrew, we were given insurance checks totalling $9,000 for living expenses.

Two weeks to the day after Andrew, we sat in chairs amidst the rubble of our home as our adjustor wrote out one check for the entire value of the home and another for the entire value of all the belongings.

The stress of losing your home & everything in it is enormous, especially for the women. To have the financial stress relieved quickly, with no argument whatsoever, was HUGE.

And many in Homestead had no insurance. I'm sure some procrastinated, some missed a payment, some owed no mortgage and figured, "I don't need insurance."

Big mistake.

While I'm reminiscing, I'll also thank the American Red Cross and the thousands of volunteers from all over the country who came to help. You guys were amazing.

OK. Now for the fact:

We lived in a residential area in Homestead, in Dade County, FL, one of the largest population centers (Miami) in the US. And it took SIX MONTHS to get electricity back to our community! Can you imagine that?

Which reminds me ... the insurance company also picked up the tab for the exhorbitant rent ($2,000/month) we paid for a home 60 miles north, the closest we could find.

Insurance is a real pain in the neck ... until you need it. And life can take some unexpected turns. I strongly encourage you to be protected, just in case.

Richard Dennis

New to this board, however thanks for
the warning about insurance. Yes...you
never know...remember the firestorm in
california years ago...
Nothing is promised...

Mike. Figured that would get your
> attention.

> Actually, this is a testimonial to Mike
> Rodman and insurance agents and insurance
> companies in general.

> Don't anybody go away though, because at the
> end of this message, I'm going to give you a
> fact that will blow your mind.

> Eight years ago tonight, we had a home.

> Eight years ago tomorrow morning, we didn't.

> I think most of us go through life resenting
> the darned insurance bill everytime we write
> a check. I sure did. Then in one fell swoop,
> it was all worthwhile.

> Within 4 days of Hurricane Andrew, we were
> given insurance checks totalling $9,000 for
> living expenses.

> Two weeks to the day after Andrew, we sat in
> chairs amidst the rubble of our home as our
> adjustor wrote out one check for the entire
> value of the home and another for the entire
> value of all the belongings.

> The stress of losing your home &
> everything in it is enormous, especially for
> the women. To have the financial stress
> relieved quickly, with no argument
> whatsoever, was HUGE.

> And many in Homestead had no insurance. I'm
> sure some procrastinated, some missed a
> payment, some owed no mortgage and figured,
> "I don't need insurance."

> Big mistake.

> While I'm reminiscing, I'll also thank the
> American Red Cross and the thousands of
> volunteers from all over the country who
> came to help. You guys were amazing.

> OK. Now for the fact:

> We lived in a residential area in Homestead,
> in Dade County, FL, one of the largest
> population centers (Miami) in the US. And it
> took SIX MONTHS to get electricity back to
> our community! Can you imagine that?

> Which reminds me ... the insurance company
> also picked up the tab for the exhorbitant
> rent ($2,000/month) we paid for a home 60
> miles north, the closest we could find.

> Insurance is a real pain in the neck ...
> until you need it. And life can take some
> unexpected turns. I strongly encourage you
> to be protected, just in case.

> Richard Dennis

but the worst one was to my best friends family for over $500,000.00 plus accumulated interest.

Warren was only 42 when he was shot and killed in a berserk happening.

Was it too little??? Not really... Was it too much??? Definitely not... Did it take care of the mortgage, college tuition and living expenses??? Most definitley, with money left over to invest.

I've delivered many death benefits before, but this one was different. It was my best friend, his wife Tracy, his two children Ben and Desiree.

We played racquetball almost daily at noon at the club. We travelled together to State and National Tournaments. I even played Mixed-Doubles with Tracy one year.

Looking into her eyes... Feeling not only her loss, but mine as well... I cried unashamedly and let her hug and console me. All the while I had the check in my hand. Tracy never once asked about the life insurance. I took care of it from the time I was notified of Warrens death. I was a Pallbearer for my friend as well...

Tracy knew why I was there. Not too hand her a check... Like I have done so businesslike and solemn in the past. But I was there to grieve for myself... She was a good friend too. In her own pain she knew I needed comforted as well.

Through doing my job... And not being afraid of "selling" to friends and family, I had made a huge difference in the Thomas family. Although Warren's not here physically with me anymore... Not a day goes by when I don't step onto the racquetball court that I wonder how my friend is doing.

Still there is an empty hollow feeling inside of me when I think about this. Money isn't the end-all some would lead you to believe.

$500,000.00+ for Tracy and the kids. I would give all I had to whomever if He could bring Warren back to us.

Thank-you Dennis. You brought Warren back to me for a brief visit.

I appreciate that...