Loss and life can be like a row of dominoes. You spend years arranging your life, using your time, money, and other resources. After many years, your life can seem nearly perfect. But even the most stable of situations can unravel quickly.

A significant loss can be similar to knocking over a single domino. A chain reaction can occur that results in many other losses.

A loss of a spouse leads to a loss of income. This can lead to the loss of your home, automobile, college tuition funds for your children, and emotional support. One loss can quickly lead to additional losses.

In this instance, the loss of a spouse is a primary loss. The additional losses are referred to as secondary losses. Life and disability insurance are an attempt to limit the extent of secondary losses.

A few secondary losses can make it feel like you’re losing everything and add to your grief from your primary loss.

“There is sacredness in tears.

They are not the mark of weakness, but of power.

They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.

They are the messengers of overwhelming grief,

of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.”

- Washington Irving