When the business of life hits … it hits hard. A little while ago I posted a vlog about the business of life and adulting. In fact, I think I was late dropping that vlog because of an unexpected trip to SoCal. The trip was to attend services for my cousin who passed away suddenly.
It’s Just Business
What is it they say? If work was fun, they wouldn’t call it “work” … right? The work that goes into the business of life isn’t fun. But it’s necessary. You don’t do it for you … you do it for those you leave behind or who will be responsible if you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself.
In the vlog I talk about 3 things: Getting a will / setting up trusts / and making sure you have appropriate powers of attorney (POA). My parents developing Type 2 diabetes and my mom’s short term memory issues made me realize: as they age, I will be responsible for their health and well being. I needed to get my business of life in order. Thankfully I got all the legal paperwork done and POA’s set up so when my mom’s health deteriorated, I could take over managing her affairs. It wasn’t easy. But it could have been a LOT harder if I didn’t have the POA to allow access.
It’s a Way to Operate
My cousin was 56 … the oldest of four siblings … divorced … and the father of two early-adult children. After falling in the bathroom … hitting his head … and getting rushed to the hospital, his brother and mother couldn’t initially access him because they couldn’t prove they were next of kin. My cousin had no healthcare directive. I don’t know if he had a will. I don’t know if he had assets. It seemed that his brother, two sisters, and mom were left to figure things out – all while also processing their feelings of grief and loss.
It was shocking to learn that my cousin’s younger brother – 54 … married … with two teenagers – didn’t have a will or healthcare directive either. He and his wife never thought about it … until now. The conversation continued with his two sisters. All three siblings have spouses and several children ranging in age from 8 to early 20s. While overwhelmed and grieving, I was proud of them for acknowledging the importance of getting this bit of family business handled.
It’s for Your Family and Loved Ones
No one wants to dwell on sad and difficult things. But without planning and getting your legal house in order, the work becomes exponentially more challenging when you’re also dealing with a loss … and/or … your loved one isn’t able to speak for themselves or have the capacity to manage their affairs and you get thrust into the situation unprepared. So I encourage you to get the help of a legal professional and get it now! Trust me: A little investment of time today can save a lot of time, frustration, and pain later.