Wake–up call

Last week, in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, I rushed my husband to the emergency room with chest pain. It was a heart attack.  He was treated promptly and successfully and is now home recovering. 

In the emergency room, they asked if he had a power of attorney for health care or Living Will. The unsigned forms were in my computer.  I had prepared the documents months ago, but was always too busy with other people’s work to print them out for him to sign. Fortunately, my husband was conscious and able to consent to treatment himself.

The saying “the cobbler’s children have no shoes” comes to mind.  In this case, the estate planning attorney has not been following the advice she gives to others.  Our Wills and POAs are old and out of date.  Preparing new documents for us has just moved to the top of my priority list.

My husband’s medical crisis was like sharp poke in the ribs for me. We never know when those documents will be needed.  Get it done now while you can.  A medical emergency can happen any time.  Be prepared.