Being Prepared Means Taking Time To Make Plans
by Kathy Crombie, Director of Gift Planning

The tragedy of September 11 was one event that certainly changed how Americans perceive their freedom, the precious gift of life, their future. We can't turn the clock back and make it all go away, but we can be thankful for the countless acts of heroic charity we witnessed, and for what we have learned about ourselves and our nation through the weeks of tears.

I think about September 11 often, because I talk to people every day about being prepared for the unexpected - an illness, a life-changing catastrophe, even death. How fragile life really is. I'm struck by the thought that roughly 6,000 people awoke on September 11 and went to work – nothing unusual. They just went to work like any other Tuesday morning, but this time they did not come home to the families who loved them. They would never return to their husbands or wives, sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, fathers or mothers. They didn't plan to die that day.

What are the odds that all 6,000 of those individuals had their estate plans in order? If statistics prove right, 70 percent to 80 percent did not. That means that more than 4,000 people may have left families behind without documents to support their wishes in regards to distribution of their property and possessions, guardianship of their minor children, life insurance, retirement plans, etc. Not only are the living suffering from the untimely death of their loved ones, but many are also dealing with the uncertainty of their future based on their interdependence with the deceased.

Regardless of what most people might think, estate planning is all about life. Documents like wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney (durable and medical) are all created during one's lifetime to direct their needs and wants when they no longer have a voice. These documents must be in place before you need them, and as we've all learned recently, that day may come without warning.

Right to Life of Michigan, a trusted friend and leader in the prolife movement, is standing by to help you and your family prepare for the future. Stamp out procrastination and make a decision to complete your estate plans – just in time to be your 2002 New Year's resolution. Be prepared for the unexpected -call (248) 552-3742 and ask for your free Estate Planning Documents Kit today.

 

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