Before there was Cincinnati Bengal’s player, the beloved character known as Chad Ochocinco, there was Ickey Woods, a former beloved and flamboyant Cincinnati Bengal player who played for the team from 1988 to 1991. Ickey was a great player and he is perhaps best known for the “Ickey Shuffle,” the end zone dance that he performed after he made a touch down.

Recently Ickey Woods has been in the news because his 16- year old son Jovante Woods passed away on August 14, 2010, away suffering a severe asthma attack.

According to published reports, Jovante was a great student and a promising athlete. Like many in the community, I was saddened to learn of his passing. When the call went out via Facebook to make a donation to help with Jovante’s medical and funeral expenses I didn’t give it a second thought and made a contribution.

Recently my family found ourselves in a similar situation, with the unexpected passing of my 13-year nephew. Our family also needed assistance with his funeral expenses. It was very painful in the midst of our grieving to try and figure out how we would get money for his funeral. I especially found it difficult to ask others for help. Thus, I can’t stress enough of how important it is to get insurance on our loved ones--when they are babies if possible. The longer you wait increases the likelihood that the one of your loved ones may not be insurable.

Times are tough, and there are probably some parents that can’t afford life insurance, but perhaps more likely than not, people believe they can’t afford life insurance. I purchased a life insurance policy on my two sons when they were children. Now, they are grown. I pay under $20 for their life insurance policies. The plans, God forbid I should ever need, are probably just enough to cover the funeral and burial expense. Still, I take comfort in knowing that should the need occur, they are covered.

We never know someone we love is going to pass away. Should the unexpected happen, there is going to be so many issues and emotions that family and friends will have to deal with. Figuring out how to pay for their funeral should not be one of them.

The passing of Jovante Woods is a teachable moment. It taught many of us to love more, and to help our neighbor when they are in need. It should also teach us to get life insurance on the ones we love when they are babies.

RIP Jovante Woods. Franki Butler-Kidd Because I can...