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February 14, 2006
Unconventional Valentines
It seems that most people either really love or really hate Valentines Day. Not many fall into the middle ground of "take it or leave it". I'm one of the people who would not miss February 14th one bit if it dropped off the calendar altogether. I feel being guilted into expressing love by the mass-merchandisers negates any true feeling. Soon the trinkets, chocolates, flower arrangements and cards full of tired clichés will disappear from store shelves, and we can move on to the next holiday.
I propose a more unconventional gift to those you love, one you will not find on any store shelf. It's simple to make, and costs only a little of your time, it's called a living will. A few months ago, I began making mine, and was amazed at how uncomplicated the process was. I obtained the forms from my doctor during my regular annual checkup, he gave me two simple forms to complete. The living will form was just a couple check boxes, and a few lines for me to make more specific instructions and then a place to sign it and have it notarized or witnessed. The Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare form is again a couple of check boxes and the place to provide the names and contact information of the people I want to make medical decisions for me in the event I'm unable to, and then a place to sign and have it notarized or witnessed. Naming a Power of Attorney for Healthcare is not the same as naming a Power of Attorney. Laws vary by state, but in most states unless you specifically name someone those decisions default to a spouse first, and in the absense of a spouse, the parents. I was surprised to find in some states any concerned individual can be named as guardian, including a third party you never knew.
Until Terri Schaivo's case pushed the need for advance directives to the forefront last year, I could see no reason in making one, I'm much too young to be thinking of those things. My opinion changed watching what her family struggled through. To me, the most important reason in taking the time to make a living will is to spare my family unnecessary suffering in what would be a traumatic situation anyway. This may be the easiest, and most important way you can tell your family you love them.
More information on Advance Directives is available from the following sites:
End-of-Life Choices—Make Your Wishes Known
Compassion and Choices
Five Wishes (by Aging with Dignity)
U.S. Living Will Registry
Posted by Anna at February 14, 2006 11:05 AM