I tried very hard to post something else, but I just keep returning to this. My heart goes out to Will, the little 13 year old boy who is the orphan of Chris and Dana Reeves today. It's been reported that Dana made arrangements for his care. How fortunate that she knew she was battling lung cancer and had time to make preparations. Not every one is so lucky. You hope for the best, but none of us knows when we'll be taking our last breath.
One of my grandmothers was so phobic about discussing death that she wouldn't even put a simple will together. In some ways, I understand. Staring death regularly in the face is an unpleasant experience, and I've never woken up and said "Wow, what a beautiful morning! I think I'll update my will today!"
However, if we don't take that small responsibility now, our families will pay for it later. So, do as Dana did, and make some preparations. In most states, you can purchase a simple fill-in-the-blanks form if you're too queasy about seeing a lawyer. But, if you make those decisions now and you're in a car accident later today, you will be able to rest easier knowing that if the worst happens, your loved ones will be taken care of.
About Me
- Saur♥Kraut
- Saur♥Kraut has been called The Mouth of the South.
This blog was repeatedly named one of the best blogs in the area by the (then) St. Pete Times and Tampa Tribune. After a hiatus of a little over 3 years, she has recently returned to blogging and generally annoying everyone.
Saur♥Kraut grew up in the Tampa Bay Area and, after a brief period of roaming, settled there for good... just as a tick settles on a dog. She now lives in uneasy symbiosis with the most densely populated area within the State of Florida.
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17 comments:
Good advice...because tomorrow is promised to no one.
My ex mother-in-law, the coolest woman on the planet, has already made all of her arrangements and PAID for them, truly the best way to do that if you can, the expense is enormous and very trying when someone dies, wanting to give them a proper tribute and worrying about money at the same time. I have just recently written a will, it was disturbing but liberating at the same time, knowing that my wishes were forever written on paper.
It is hard to say, but cynical me must: At least he is incredibly wealthy.
Millions of kids out there are not only orphans, but have never met their parents and have no money. Oh, and many of them are addicted to drugs, have aids, or are involed in the sex trade. :( Im always a downer.
No doubt.... good advise.
What a sad traqic life this poor child has seen already. First his father, then grandmother, now mother... all within the last few years. It's a lot to take in at 13 years of age.
You do have a point. My Dad took care of everything before he went in for heart surgery. Thank God he did, because he never came back. Life can be tragic. I'm sending lots of love to Will.
Very good advice.
This is a gigantic tragedy for Will. Thankfully, she had time to prepare him in more ways that monetary.
I need to attend to the details now. I should have done it a long time ago. Thanks for the nudge.
So sad.
I would add a living will regarding your health care if you are unable to make your own decisions. The OH and I both have one and in neither case are we the executors. If that time ever comes, it will be hard enough without the emotional angst of making those decisions
How right you are! I just updating mine. Even if you don't have much to leave, make sure you spell everything out. Children will fight over the most mundane items.
You are so right.
You are right about this.
I have felt so sad about Dana Reeve's death. She faced adversity with grace & strength. Her husband married an angel, and I'm sure her son will cherish the memories he has of her. She was taken much too young. It makes your point about us never knowing when our time will come.
I have thought about Dana's death quite a bit since I first heard about it on the Today Show yesterday morning. So incredibly sad and traumatic for their son. Makes you wonder, how much one person is expected to handle in this life.
I'm not as dead as I used to be
Saur,
I really th'o't peeps should spend da money fo' uh lawyer especially if dey gots uh multi-million bone portfolio at Merrill. you know das right!
My parents talked to us about this topic once we had all moved out. After my dad's parents passed on it got them thinking. There was a will, but it only covered a few big things. So my parents discussed with us what we think the best plan would be if they were to pass away. (which one day they will). It can feel a little morbib to be discussing such issues, but it is important. Good post, people should take your advice.
Because people don't want to face the fact the they will not live forever here.
But you don't people. Some of the posts I have put up detail the things you can learn the hard way.
Do your will, assemble all business and personal papers, titles to cars, gun paperwork, insurance, tax records, birth and marriage certificates, loans, insurance proofs for vehicles, ss cards...and go through and arrange it all in one expandable file.
Then slip in a paper with all your online passwords and user names so someone can close your accounts. Myself, I have had to arrange someone to take over websites I manage and built, too, and the last post in the blogs, ebay, paypal, the bank.....thing hard and try to get them all.
Then sit down with your funeral director of choice and hammer out the details of your service, pricing, coffins, if needed, cremetory fees, burial locations, cost of lots, headstones, etc. Write the obits, pick the photo you want included and which papers you want it in (and did you know they charge from 20 to 250 dollars for this at the paper?) and leave a copy of all this on file with them.
Add copies of keys to your files, computers, house and garage, tool boxes, etc. to the file at home and label them.
Then your family calls one number on top of the list in the file and tells them you have now left Dodge and it is all handled - from picking up the body to the final interment.
All they have to do is pick an outfit for you if there is a viewing and plan the after funeral dinner. Leave them that to do to distract them a little.
Valerie, excellent advice.
Everyone, so sorry I didn't get a chance to respond much to this post. I've been swamped, trying to make up for lost time due to all the family disasters...
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