“I had to have a conversation with Liz about when I'm gone, how it's okay to love again. Because the likelihood is she’ll be 50 years old and widowed.”
Father-of-three Adam Johnson is a larger-than-life character - his infectious smile, booming laugh, and charisma light up any room.
However, last year, at the age of 50, Adam received the devastating news that he has Stage 4 advanced prostate cancer.
Since then, he has faced the heartbreaking task of preparing for a future where he may no longer be with his loved ones.
The diagnosis was shattering for Adam, especially given his past - having lost both his parents to cancer at a young age.
Understanding the impact of this news, Adam says he was always open and honest with his family from the very beginning. The hardest moment for him was telling his daughter and two sons about his cancer diagnosis.
“We did spend six months crying, but because we're so open and honest and talk about it openly, it has certainly helped with that process,” Adam says.
“I know I’ll miss so much - milestones, weddings, birthdays, grandchildren, stuff like that, but also the simple things like holding your wife's hand. But I'm at peace.”
Adam's acceptance of his situation has allowed him to focus on what truly matter - spending quality time with his loved ones, reconnecting with old friends, and embarking on new adventures.
He resigned from his job as a wine broker and well-known celebrant to fully immerse himself in these precious moments.
He even managed to check everything off his bucket list. One was flying to Sydney to bake scones with his elderly grandmother.
With his permission, we are sharing Adam's story to highlight a vital yet often overlooked conversation- the importance of having a Will in place.
It’s a topic many avoid, but it's crucial for ensuring that our loved ones are cared for when we are no longer able to do so.
That's why Wishlist has partnered with Australia's leading online Will-writing platform, Safewill, to offer our supporters and health heroes the opportunity to write a bespoke Will for free during Wishlist's Will Week - September 2-8.
Traditionally, creating a Will can be complicated, time-consuming, and expensive. Astonishingly, 60 percent of Aussies don’t have a valid Will in place to protect the people they care about.
Wislhist's partnership with Safewill aims to change that by making the process simple, quick, and affordable.
As Adam’s story reminds us, it’s never too early to start this important conversation and take steps to secure your family’s future.
"We go camping on Moreton Island a lot, and I’ve already said to my son Jack: ‘mate, one day when I go, I want you to come to this island and put my ashes all over the island, and that way, when you and your family visit the island, you can remember me’," Adam says.
We invite you to take this opportunity to ensure your loved ones are protected. It’s never too soon to plan for the future.
