A21- LIFE INSURANCE IS LOVE

THE PROFESSIONAL LIFE ADVISER’S GUIDE (Little Gems Series)

A21. (THE PRODUCT) - LIFE INSURANCE IS LOVE

Fred is a New York linen salesman. He has never earned more than a small salary, but on this he and Clara have bought their home in New Jersey and have sent two boys through college. When I met him one day on Fifth Avenue he was shabbily dressed in a shiny old suit of blue serge - and you know how blue serge can shine. I asked him why he couldn't treat himself a little better, now that the house was all paid for and both the boys were doing well in their jobs.

“I'm carrying a lot of life insurance,” Fred answered. “I've got to be awfully sure that Clara's all right when I'm gone.”

He turned away rather shamefacedly. A stray sunbeam fell across his shoulders and suddenly I saw, not shiny serge, but shiny armor. Not Fifth Avenue, but Camelot, and a plumed knight with a sword at his side and his lady's colors worn across his coat of mail.

“What's the difference,” I thought, “between this man and Lancelot? Those heroes of the lists fought twenty minutes for the women they loved and Fred has fought forty years.” There are millions of Freds all around us.

—Channing Pollock