What if you had your annual physical only to be told by the doctor discovered a
life-threatening illness? What if that illness was indeed terminal and you were faced with less than a year to live? Sobering topic, isn't it? Real topic however. In fact, in the last four years, we have had to say goodbye to four friends who faced this reality. We have had the opportunity to be on the sidelines, to offer support and encouragement along the way. The lessons learned came from each of them.

Within 48 hours, one friend retired, rewrote a new will and trust, called a family meeting and announced he and his wife would use the time he had left to live to spend time with his friends and family, focusing on his treatment. Fourteen months later, he was gone. His journey has taught us a great deal.

Being prepared is a mantra Ioften mention. Why? Because the greater majority of people are NOT prepared. There is no will, no advance directives, and no frank conversations with family. Their 'house', you might say, is not in order.
In visiting an attorney about these matters, it was a new education about what
documents need to be created due to changing laws in privacy and other legalities that are necessary when someone becomes too ill to make medical and/or financial decisions.

While our friend was struggling with treatments, we commenced in addressing the very issues he did within two days. We hadn't updated our wills and trust in over 10 years. It was dusty and desperately needed updating. We documented what individuals to call if, in fact, our children were faced with our untimely death. We wrote out explicit details about the memorials we wanted, even the music and in my case, the flowers. After it was all said and done, we both experienced an inner peace, knowing that if either of us heard those words, we too would be able to concentrate on living for whatever days we had.

Again, instead of procrastinating, make that appointment today with your attorney. Schedule a 'family meeting', take some time talk to them about your wishes.Write everything down, put it away, and then, go on living each day knowing that your 'house is in order'.