Eric’s Story – His Love Lives On.
It seemed like fate: a small town and families that intertwined through generations.
Mindi Johnson recalls drawing imaginary hearts around Eric’s picture in their grade-school yearbook. In middle school, his locker was above hers, and they dated in high school. It took college and a gap of years to realize they were meant to be together.
They thrived as a married couple, and were elated when Ronnie was born, followed by Elliot. “I think Eric was put on this Earth to be a dad,” says Mindi. And he wanted his family protected no matter what, so early on he made sure he had ample life insurance.
Thriving as a Family
Over time, the family bought a ranch, and Eric helped grow a landscaping business from one mower to a thriving enterprise. The girls grew to love sports and raising and showing animals, alongside their parents. Life was idyllic. The family’s life was turned upside-down when they learned the groin pain Eric had been experiencing was, in fact,
lymphoma. The progression of the cancer was fast, and in a matter of months, an experimental drug seemed his only hope.
That drug, however, was not covered by his health insurance, but Eric was offered peace of mind knowing he could access the living benefits of his life insurance policy. This could allow him to pay for the new treatment without having to quickly sell land or liquidate other assets.
Unfortunately, cancer claimed his life before he even had that opportunity. He died at age 46, just eight months after being diagnosed.
A Blessing
Mindi and the girls still grieve for Eric. But the life he helped build for his family and the business continue on because of his foresight. “Eric’s life insurance has allowed us to keep living and figuring out this new way of life,” says Mindi. “We didn’t need to sell our house or land—uproot our lives and change everything. And that has been a huge blessing.”
