The last two weeks have been a world-wind of flutter in my life. I have learned something as a daughter that has seriously taught me a huge life lesson that will help me be a better mother and parent. Being prepared. A simple statement, but not about being prepared for going to work, making dinner, or giving a bath. It is about being prepared for family tragedy. It is not a topic a parent wants to ever think about or discuss, but are you prepared to help your children have a successful life even if you may not be a part of it?

As parents we don’t want to imagine that we will not be here to see our children grow to adults, graduate college, marry, and expedience the miracle of their own children. We can see ourselves spoiling our grandchildren and then send them home to mom and dad. Unfortunately, not every parent will experience these milestones with their children. We see it everyday, children raised by family because parents have died.

Have you made arrangements for your children? Who will raise them? Is there money set aside? And a ton of other thoughts to consider when making sure your children are taken care of in the unfortunate event of your death. This definitely has hit home. Honestly, I am not a prepared mother. I do not have a living will. I have never made arrangements for my children in the event that I or their father pass away. I haven’t made any arrangements for what happens to the miscellaneous things - like the house, car, and yes, even the dogs. These are things that I would leave and burden someone with.

I was a parent that thought, “If I plan, it will happen.” Well, what if you don’t plan, what happens? It was a big step for me to take the time this week to sit down, think about the process of planning my future in case my future never happens. A terrible thought it is, but still a necessity. Knowing I didn’t have the money to pay for an attorney, but still wanting some guidance on what I needed to do, I took a stab at a web site that I saw through a commercial. I know, kind of iffy, but why not? I looked up LegalZoom.com and started my research.

I am not finished by any means. I still have a way to go to research what I need, ask family about taking care of my children, and figuring out what happens with the not-so-important things, but I am on my way. Living wills, trusts for my kids, selling this, and making sure the house is taken care of. On and on. Burden will not be left to my children or family to clean up for me as it was left for me. These past two weeks have been very uncomfortable. Going through someone else’s life is not something I want to place on anyone else.

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