As I grow older I realize that I am not invincible, like I was thought I was. I am realizing that I cannot do the things that I used to do and it scares me. It is not that I am afraid to leave this world, I am afraid for those that I leave behind.
Just the other day I was talking to someone. He said that he was driving along the road and realized that he used to think of future plans and things that he would like to do in life. Now he finds himself preparing for the possibility of the end of it. Next year will be the year, he said, that he gets things in order to prepare for this. It is a scary thought in a way.
It is something that we do not like to talk about, but it is a reality. We have to prepare for the unexpected. Even those who are young need to prepare because you never know when it will be your time.
Some things that you can do to prepare for this are:
*Decide who will take care of your children if you should pass away. If you are married or the children still see their other parent, this should not be a problem. If that is not the case you need to think of who you would like to raise your children. Who are the children most comfortable with? Who is responsible, mature and would take care of the children they way that you would? Who do you trust with the most cherished people in your life?
*Be sure that you have a will in place. Be sure that the above decision is included in the will with specific details outlined. Give a copy to the person that you want to carry out your wishes. Your lawyer will keep a copy as well. Make your wishes known on this will. Fill out a health care proxy and include it with your will.
*Have a fireproof box in your home with all of the important documents that pertain to your and your family. Be sure that the person responsible for your affairs knows where it is and what to do with it.
*Write individual letters to your loved ones. Leave them an audio tape of your voice and speak to them. This will help them to heal after you are gone. They will treasure it forever.