At the young age of 13 I lost my dad to suicide. It was unexpected and confusing. My mom had to pick up 2 extra jobs to provide for my younger siblings and I. My mom counted on me to help with raising my siblings, and I had to get a job to help with funds. Though my mom worked hard to provide for my siblings and I, it didn't come without struggle. In 2018 I moved away from home to attend the University of Manitoba. Unlike my fellow university mates, my parents were unable to help me financially. I had to take out student loans in order to pay for my rent and my tuition, as well as work to account for other bills.
In 2019 I became pregnant and was physically and financially abused by my child’s father. My mother became ill, unable to work as much as needed and due to my situation, it was necessary for me to move back home so my mother and I could help each other out. I returned home, took a break from my studies due to needing to work and take care of my mother, my siblings, and my baby. By the summer of 2021, my mom passed away from breast cancer. At this point, I became the sole provider for my siblings and my baby.
Though my mom had life insurance, it wasn’t much, and it was split three ways between my siblings and me. The lack of adequate life insurance coverage made it hard for me to care for my siblings and my baby alone. I could not take time off work to grieve as I needed the money to pay for bills and food for the household, creating an emotionally draining few months. With adequate life insurance, I would have been able to take time off work to care for my siblings, my son and I, without worry of money.
Adequate life insurance would have allowed for me to take the time to grieve, take care of my family, and help pay for bills/tuition without the help of student loans. Once I graduate, I will have nearly $35,000 of student loans to pay back, while still providing for my family. Life insurance from the death of my parents would have allowed for some relief of debt.
I have had to work hard to ensure that I have enough money to provide for my family. I have worked overtime, overnights, weekends, and some holidays to ensure that bills were paid. I’ve taken out student loans and will sometimes work casually when time permits. I will always work hard for my family.
Life for my siblings and I has not always been fair, but we have each other, and we are determined to help each other reach our goals. We have gone through a lot together and it is my mission to ensure that my siblings are set up emotionally and financially to flourish within their own personal lives.
