The Wake Up Call

I got the call yesterday morning.  One of my longtime (14 years) clients is apparently in the last throes of her life.  She will turn 101 next month.  We knew this day was coming, as it does for all of us.  My thoughts immediately recalled the initial meeting, and subsequent times we talked.  Fond memories.  Her surprise 90th birthday - she was surprised by the reception and that I would travel such a distance to observe it.  Then, when she turned 100 last September, I traveled 6+ hours to her 100 reception.  She was surprised, met me at the door, and insisted I sit with her and hold her hand the hours I was there.

Then my thoughts raced to her planning.  We had ample time to prepare for this, but still, I needed to assure myself that we had done everything humanly possible, and that all the documents were in order.

So, I went to the office to review her hopes, fears, goals, aspirations, and desires.  Also to insure that the documents captured her most recent set of goals.  After a review, she and her loved ones are in good shape legally.

But as I reflect, I think about the necessity for preparedness.  We know that life is but a vapor, then we are gone.  It is through estate planning that we can "speak" to our loved ones from the grave.  All should prepare this "voice" for their loved ones.  Only then can we approach true peace of mind.