Judy A. Strong, click
here to update your pages on AuthorsDen.
Blogs by Judy A. Strong
Have You Written Your Will Yet? 7/20/2012 9:52:58 AM
Getting your affairs in order is a kind and responsible thing to do for your loved ones. Coping with grief and loss is difficult, and handling the legal aspects of a death in the family can be overwhelming when papers are not available. When my husband died at the age of 59, he didn't have a will. Like so many of us, he thought he had pleny of time for end-of-life concerns. I had to go to probate court because we had minor children at home, and, because there was no will, handling all the legal and financial paperwork was a nightmare. Soon after, I had a will made and I began journaling. My journal became my first book, No Time to Grieve A Survivor's Guide to Loss and Healing.
Death education, end-of-life issues, and "grief talk" is unpleasant to most of us. But getting your affairs in order is a reasonable and considerate thing to do. Funeral directors have told me that the legal and financial paperwork is an overwhelming problem for most families and survivors. The shock and pain of loss is more than enough to handle. When the documents you need are nowhere to be found, it adds stress to already overburdened emotions.
Twenty-one years ago, when I became a widow, resources were scarce for the bereaved. Today there are books, articles, websites, and groups that are dedicated to helping with this difficult time. Those of us who are committed to the grieving community understand and offer comfort and support. Search the web, visit libraries and bookstores, and look up local groups. You and your loved ones have everything to gain from taking care of things - and them - now, so you can relax and feel confident that their mourning period will be devoted to personal and emotional needs, without the headaches of looking for papers.
