Being Ready

I've been contemplating how to express my thoughts on the topic of "being ready" for the loss of a loved one, especially a partner. During the past month or so, I have lost my brother and two very dear friends. My brother was in his 80's and in ill health so, his death was expected and all the arrangements for his services and his partner had been made. The transition was sad but, smooth.

In the case of my friends, they were 47 and 56 years of age, no one expected them to pass and nothing was done to take care of the transitions. No arrangements made, no real discussion of the practical side of death-what their wishes were, what important information was needed to be sure their loved ones would be provided for, bank accounts in both names, businesses in both names, passwords and important documents organized and easily accessible-none of that was done. I watched as their loved ones and friends scrambled to do what needed to be done, in shock and disbelief they've been working get affairs in order so they could continue on with living, no time to grieve, no time to think, no time to "be"-just trying to survive an unthinkable situation.

I urge everyone to talk about life and end of life issues. Don't wait until something happens, be ready. Make sure these tough discussions have taken place and all is in readiness so that you or your loved ones are not left to struggle through a difficult time as they try to figure out how to access the bank accounts, the computer programs, the bills due, what is to be done for memorial services, did you want to donate your organs, did you want to be creamated or buried, when and where did you want to be after the services...all things that should be arranged and in writing well in advance of a loss.

Take the time to make a Will, then you know you've take care of those that are left behind and given them the "gift" of knowing you loved them so much that, even in death, you prepared for them to be able to transition and adjust to the rest of their lives. Don't wait...it's a sobering reality that all of us face, let's not make it harder on those we love when the Lord does call us home-be ready!