Big Love

Somethings must come off the to-do list

I was at the estate planning lawyer’s office recently. It took a month and a half to get the appointment, I had to drive a ways to get there, and it ended up being an expensive item on a to-do list.

However, I now have some key things handled that were causing me stress. My medical directive, the paperwork that allowed someone to make life changing decisions about my health, was still the X. That just would not do.

I know several people/couples/parents who have yet to create a will. They have yet to designate legally a guardian and to empower the guardians with the necessary paperwork should something happen to them.

Why do we put things like this off?

Time, money, and the courage it takes to face our own mortality. And it is uncomfortable.

When we create a living will we are coming face to face with the very real fact that one day we will die.

Facing my mortality, making hard decisions such as answering “What age do you want your minor to inherit?”, and general other tough questions about issues regarding my children was well worth the time, money, and effort. Now I no longer have to give my energy away to put it off. It will no longer wake me up in the middle of the night in a sweat. I do not have to worry about leaving my children unprotected or provided for.

Recently a parent that I knew passed away unexpectedly. It was beyond sad. I also saw it as a sign to get my things together. I called and made the appointment.

I’m glad that I did. And I hope it is never used.

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.

Albert Pike