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How to Prepare for a Crisis Without Losing Your Mind (Hypothetically)
Hey there! So, I recently had a heart-to-heart with my partner, Jake, about the importance of planning for the unexpected. You know, the kind of talk that makes you feel all sorts of uncomfortable but is desperately needed? We finally got around to meeting with an estate planning attorney to sort out a will and a trust for our kids, and assign each other as power of attorney in case something were to happen to one of us. Spoiler alert: it’s not as morbid as it sounds!
We’re in our 40s, and honestly, I know what you’re thinking—why did it take us so long? Well, life gets busy, and honestly, it can be overwhelming. A while back, we attempted to tackle this ourselves when we were newlyweds, but let’s just say it didn’t go well. We did manage to notarize a document appointing a guardian for our little one, but that was pretty much it.
After the passing of a family member, it hit us hard just how crucial it is to have a plan in place. You might think your spouse will automatically know your wishes, but the reality is that the legal and medical worlds are so complex that it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re not prepared. Even those who did their estate planning years ago need to consider new laws and procedures that could render their old wishes ineffective. Thankfully, our attorney is here to guide us through it all.
I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the process was—our first meeting was even free! Knowing we’re setting our kids up for a secure future, even if we hope we never need it, is a huge relief. However, I had a reality check when I asked Jake a simple question: “Can you name any of our kids’ doctors?” His response? “Nope.” Cue the facepalm.
During our meeting, I discovered I was the sole keeper of passwords for our financial accounts since I handle the bills. If something were to happen to me, he wouldn’t have access to any of that information. So we had to change that. It’s clear that communication and sharing information is key in a partnership, especially when it comes to our kids’ care.
Now, some might find it odd that Jake hasn’t met our kids’ doctors, but here’s the thing: he works long hours while I’m at home managing appointments and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Sometimes, he’s completely unaware of the many specialists we see. I’m not saying this division of labor is right or wrong, but it’s just how it is.
To make things easier, I created a simple list of our kids’ doctors and specialists and stuck it on the fridge. No need to guilt Jake for not keeping up; I just want to give him the tools to manage things if I’m not around.
Taking steps to prepare for the unexpected doesn’t mean you’re paranoid; it means you’re being smart. By letting go of some of that “supermom” mentality, I’m empowering Jake to step up if he needs to. It’s tough to think about life without each other, but if you truly love someone, you have to consider the “what ifs” and make sure they have the resources to carry on.
For more insights on navigating life’s challenges, check out this post on home insemination. And for those looking into pregnancy options, Make a Mom has some excellent resources. Additionally, the CDC offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Having a plan for unexpected events is essential for any family. It’s crucial to communicate and share responsibilities, especially when it comes to the care of children. Creating a straightforward system, like a list of doctors, can make all the difference. Preparing for crises doesn’t stem from fear, but instead from love and a desire to ensure a smoother path for your loved ones.