All of our fortunes and misfortunes are predestined by Universe. Nothing in our mortal life we could bring to our afterlife, only our deeds. The grace of God is sufficient, place faith in Him, there is no need to prepare. Plus, the scripture clearly says that money is the root of all evil…. Is that, really so?
June 2023. Sunway Medical Center.
“Dr Pao, how much will be the cost of this
heart bypass surgery?”
“In IJN it is around RM60 – 70k. Here, it may
cost about RM80 – 90k.”
We came out of Dr. Pao’s clinic. My wife frowned
deeply. The creases in her brow told me very clearly how concerned she was. I
will never forget her worrisome look and that heavy gaze.
“Darling, do we have enough….. money?”
Deep down in me, I know, even if I were to
exhaust all our emergency fund, it could barely cover one-third of the medical
bills. Our emergency fund was thoroughly burnt out during pandemic. Sell our
house? Impossible to receive the monies in 3 weeks. Sell our cars? That means
we were losing our legs in Malaysia. How about subsequent medical bills? Rehabilitation?
Daily expenses? Borrow from our friends and family? Common, Alan is a prideful
man. He would not allow his wife go around to ask for monies.
“Don’t worry, darling. We have enough,” I
tried to assure her.
Two weeks later, we received an SMS. “Dear Sir/Madam. Please be informed that your initial
guarantee letter (IGL) has been approved by GREAT EASTERN (MEDICAL CARD).
Should you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you.”
The heavy burden on my spirit
was lifted. To the very least, I need not worry about money. I could focus on receiving
the best medical treatment from quaternary hospital. I was saved
from the possibility as “drop dead” case. In this time of trial and testing,
my family was spared from further financial disaster. All these is because of a
decision made 17 years ago…. Ya, 17 years ago.
I still remember the
conversation that I had with my high school friend during our Chinese New Year
gathering early this year.
“Alan, you are so shabby
and stingy. You should drive a better car. Your MyVi is now a 17 year old car.
It doesn’t fit your status now.”
“I’m waiting for a car
that can fly, then I would buy a new car. But until then, this MyVi stays with
me.”
Few weeks ago, I received letters from insurance
companies. My tears streamed down my cheek when I read the letter. It was very
emotional for me. My claims have been approved.
To my dear children, should you fell sick, don’t worry. Daddy will support you and get the best medical treatment. Daddy will protect you till you grow old. I had prepared your college education fees. Daddy had drawn up for you through insurance. Go and study whatever subject that you want to pursue.
To my dearest wife, I will take care of you,
till the end of this life. Should I
depart before you, your days after are still well guarded. I will love you even from
grave.
Yes, I will love you all even from my grave.
Ya, I know, I am not romantic. But all I know love
requires commitment and sacrifice; love requires economic support. One of the
most tangible forms of love is financial support. To me, a true man, must be able to carry
responsibilities on his shoulders. Whenever my wife and children need money, I
hope I can say: “I’m here. Everything is prepared for.” Even from my grave, I
shall turn into an angel and protect all of you with my wings. That was the very
reason I channeled my hard-earned money to insurance premium instead of a new
car.
I’m very blessed. I made the right decision. It
was a “foolish” decision for many. A new car is much more tangible than an
insurance/takaful coverage that can’t be seen with naked eyes. But today, that decision
to participate in insurance had protected firmly our family economic foundation
that I built for so many years. Praise be to the Lord, here I am =, with my heart bypass surgery was a success. God willing, I may be granted another 15 years
or more on my days in this mortal world.
No one wants a disaster or disease, but yet,
no one knows when it will happen to us. Love your family, love yourself, love
the people around you. Protect them, show them that you care, even if you are
not around. Because life is precious, life is great.
