Last year I attended my grandfather’s funeral in Grants Pass, Oregon. It was a wonderful time to reflect on what a great man he was and to consider what I have to live up to. He was a great example, as so many of the great depression era are, of hard work, determination, and frugality. He was always well prepared in everything he did and thus it came as no surprise that he had everything in order when he passed away.
He made sure that he had the proper documents in place that would allow my mother to make all of his medical decisions for him, so that in those last days of his life it would be easy for her to take care of him. He had a prepaid burial plan in place so that my mother and her siblings did not have to worry about how to come up with the funds to pay for the funeral service and burial. He had laid out for them exactly how he wanted the service to be conducted so it was easy to follow without any arguments. He had even specified what items of personal property should go to whom, so as to eliminate any arguing over items of sentimental value. He had made his peace with everyone around him and had taken the time to make sure that there was nothing left unsaid. He had set up his estate plan to ensure that when he passed there would be very little that would need to be done and his estate could be administered as effortlessly as possible.
I cannot begin to explain the kind of peace of mind his preparation gave to my mother and her siblings. He made everything so easy to follow and understand. He eliminated any potential for arguments. He did it the right way and I admire him for that. If only all people could be as thorough and prepared as my grandfather was. He did not have a lot, but he knew how important it was to protect what he did have, to ensure that his children would not have to spend tremendous amounts of time, effort, and money trying to resolve things that he left undone.
I am grateful for my grandfather. I am grateful for his example. I am grateful for the legacy that he has left behind. May we all be as prepared as that old cowboy grandfather of mine.
Unfortunately none of us know when our time will be up in this life, so being prepared for the unexpected is of critical importance. If you left things undone in your estate plan now is the time to get them in order. The attorneys at MH are here to assist you in all of your estate planning needs to ensure that you and your loved ones can have peace of mind for when the unexpected happens.
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