Isha Ancheta, Head of Content at EasyEquities, shares a personal story about the time her mom taught her the true meaning of life, legacy, and loving through loss.
“When I’m not around anymore…” Those were the words that started one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had with my mom. And one that completely changed me.
I froze. I wasn’t ready. I don’t think you ever really are.
But what followed was one of the most important conversations of my life, and one I now think every child deserves to have with their parent, no matter how hard it is.
My Mom, the Master Planner
Cancer runs in our family. My grandma passed away from it. My mom knew that. But when her diagnosis came, a one-in-a-million cancer (exactly how the doctor said it), it still felt like the ground fell out from under us.
And yet... somehow, she had already laid the bricks for what would come next.
My mom, as always, was prepared; in her own unique, beautiful, deeply maternal way. She had funeral cover set up long before she needed it, so we wouldn’t have to think about money while grieving. She even left a playlist for her funeral. She chose the flowers for her wake. She even left instructions for visiting hours, can you believe that?
But most of all, she made sure we, her five daughters, would never feel lost, even when she was no longer with us.
She left a list after she passed. It was full of heart and quirks only my mom had.
- What my dad likes to eat.
- What days to check on the garden.
- Where the important documents are.
- Notes to her six grandchildren.
- A reminder to feed the dogs. And the cat.
- And access to her life cover.
She was thinking of all of us, even in her absence.
I didn’t always understand life cover.
When I landed my first job out of college, my mom said to me: “Just put a little aside. Get some life cover...even if it’s not much.”
I rolled my eyes. I had other plans for that money... a trip, maybe a new phone.
But she gave me that look, the one only moms have, and said:
“Do it for the people you love. It’s not just about you.”
Back then, it sounded too grown-up, too far away. But now, I get it.
Life insurance isn’t meant to solve everything. It won’t take the grief away or fix what’s lost. But it helps.
It helps with the bills that keep coming.
It helps keep the lights on and the school fees paid.
It helps with groceries, transport, and the day-to-day costs that don’t pause for heartache.
It’s not everything... but it’s something. And in the middle of loss, something can mean the world.
Why I’m Sharing This
I know not everyone has a mom like mine. Someone who had the strength to talk about goodbye, and the foresight to make sure it wouldn’t leave us broken.
But I share this story because every parent can leave this kind of love behind.
Not just in letters or playlists, but in planning.
Life cover is one of the quietest, strongest ways to say: “I’ve got you, even if I’m not here.”
And, when I finally took my mom’s advice and got my own life cover (even if it was just a small one), I didn’t fully realise the impact of what I was doing. But now I know: it was one of those life decisions that, someday, could help someone I love breathe a little easier.
Learn More
If you'd like to know more information about life cover, click here.
EasyProtect Life is a life insurance product underwritten and administered by Sanlam Life Insurance Limited, a licensed life insurer, and is offered exclusively on the EasyEquities platform for distribution by EasyEquities. EasyEquities is an authorised FSP, registered credit provider and licensed ODP.
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