Although he was only 24, the Puerto Rican native who lived in Connecticut had an old soul. He preferred spending time with those more mature than he, and always enjoyed family gatherings.

“Raymond had an infectious laugh and was always thinking of others,” Sabrina says.

That’s why Sabrina believes Raymond’s decision to get life insurance was “a simple act of love.”

The couple had talked about the need to protect loved ones from a loss after the family had a loss. They weighed the need against the relatively small monetary cost.

Sabrina was surprised to learn that a week after that discussion, Raymond went to State Farm® Agent Jon Racow’s office in Wallingford, Conn., to get auto insurance and, after speaking with an agent team member in Jon’s office, Raymond also purchased life insurance.

The couple continued living their lives, looking forward to the family time the holidays always bring. Celebrating Christmas Eve together, Raymond realized he had forgotten one of Sabrina’s gifts at his apartment. Always selfless and attentive, he insisted on going back to get it.

Sadly, he would not return.

On the way, Raymond’s car crashed head-on with another vehicle, with tragic results. Raymond died from his injuries.

Our days are often filled with simple acts of love, one after another, that over time create a better future. Purchasing life insurance is like that, too. It’s a simple act you can take today to ensure your loved ones are protected financially tomorrow if the unthinkable happens.

The Insure Your Love life insurance campaign, held every year in February, was created by the Life Happens organization as a way to highlight the basic motivation behind purchasing life insurance -- protecting the ones you love. State Farm is a member of Life Happens.

Here’s to appreciating all the little things we do and those everyday moments that shape our lives and give it meaning. Protect those everyday moments with life insurance, just like Raymond did.

Sabrina was so grateful and appreciative of the care and attention Jon and his team gave her during the claim process.

“Thanks to them,” she says, “Raymond’s ‘simple act of love’ made it possible for his remains to be sent to his mother in Puerto Rico, so she may lay him to rest in his homeland.”

Prentiss Bullard of Atlanta, Georgia, grew up knowing three things:

• Treat people with respect.
• When life gets you down, laugh.
• A college degree is a must.

"I learned it all from my dad," smiled Prentiss. "He's a people person, and that rubbed off on me. His dream, for me to pursue higher education, has too." Instead of going to college, Prentiss’s dad joined the workforce, serving as the primary breadwinner for Prentiss and his mother.

"Dad taught me the value of hardwork, and always reminded me to stay in school," said Prentiss. "He wanted me to go farther than he did."

The years passed. The Bullard family kept busy. Life was happy. Then, in 2016, everything turned upside down. “I was walking to school when I got an urgent call from my mom,” said Prentiss. "I’ll never forget her words: “Your dad’s been hit by a car.”

"We rushed to the hospital. Dad's injuries were so severe. He passed away a short time later." Prentiss Bullard senior was just 49 years old.

With grieving hearts, Prentiss and his mother were left to figure out how to move forward. But without an adequate life insurance plan, questions about how to pay for bills, make rent, or even plan for college remained unanswered. “We hardly had time to process everything,” said Prentiss. “It was so stressful. On top of it all, I was worried I might not be able to go to school.”

Prentiss got a job and started applying for scholarships, including the Life Lessons Scholarship from the nonprofit, Life Happens. With the support of State Farm, Life Happens helps educate families with insurance and financial planning. “I did everything I could to take the load off my mom, while also making sure my dad’s wish – that I go to college – came true.” In 2018 Prentiss got a phone call that left him beaming from ear to ear...

“I learned I was the grand prize winner of the Life Lessons scholarship. I was thrilled! The happiness I felt that day, I still feel now. My life is changed.”

Today, Prentiss is a student at George Washington University, pursuing a degree in fine arts. “Whenever I’m taking a test, doing homework, or studying for exams – I think of dad. I think of how much he and my mom love me. I want to make them proud, so I work hard. I’m aspiring to be a photojournalist. The opportunity to go to college is truly a gift.”

Prentiss continues to live out the lessons his father taught him. He says they’re lessons everyone should remember. And, there’s one more piece of advice he wants to share:

“Protect the ones you love, make sure they’re provided for with a life insurance plan. Everyone should make this a priority,” said Prentiss. “Life has a lot of twists and turns. Accidents happen. Knowing you’re covered means peace of mind - so you can keep enjoying your journey.”

The untimely death of a parent can be an overwhelming loss. But for some young people, it can also mean struggling to put food on the table or keep a roof over your head. It can also make the idea of attending college seem like a fairy tale.

“If it wasn’t for the kindness of friends, my brother and I would’ve been homeless after our mom died of cancer,” said Rachel Tang, a University of Southern California student originally from Bozeman, Mont.