I Survived A Car Wreck
Posted by Bereaved - 20/02/12 at 07:02 amWe never enjoy thinking about the day we will not be able to make decisions about our future. And we all envision perfect health for our entire life. And we expect to live to be very old. But let’s look at what really happens when an unexpected situation occurs.
Sally was only thirty years old. She had two small children under ten. Her husband had been killed just last year in a war zone. She was only going to be gone for a weekend trip to the mountains with the girls. The vehicle went off the road in icy conditions. Sally was in a coma. What was going to happen to the kids? Sally had a will, but no other documents to guide her wishes in the case of such a tragic event. Documents are easy to purchase and fill out for legal purposes.
If Sally had made a power of attorney (POA), she would have someone who would be authorized to make those decisions on her behalf. Most people associate a POA as a temporary document on such occasions as you leaving the country for a brief period. But you may have a POA that is invoked on an occasion as when you are incapacitated for any reason.
If Sally had a desire not to be hooked up to the life support machines that were keeping her alive, she needed to fill out a living will document. Without a living will, the medical staff has no way of knowing what her wishes are. A POA is a necessary document for anyone, especially if others depend on you daily. A living will is one every one of us should have. Another item to consider is whether or not you wish to donate your organs in the event of an untimely death. Many states have the option to donate listed on your drivers’ license.
