Best Gift?

I’m lucky. We get along in my family. I have two older brothers. We trust each other. My mom trusts all of us. I know that isn’t everyone’s experience.

With that, we are prepared for the inevitable. All of us.

Family members know where important documents are. Persons have been designated to have POA (Power of Attorney) for financial and health matters.

I certainly know I have had my health scare given my quadruple bypass in June of ’22.

Arlene knew where everything was and our finances were clear. She was well aware of my medical and life preferences and was ready to represent my wishes if need be.

These kind of preparations are gifts we give each other.

Life at a time of crisis is stressful enough. Not knowing the wishes of a loved one, not having the legal standing to act, can greatly complicate matters.

Once an adult, it is reasonable to have a will in case of death as well as a living will, a set of instructions representing your preferred health choices and management of financial matters.

For some people it can be very helpful to consult a lawyer for estate planning and the devising of a will. It may also be helpful to speak with a social worker if these issues or conversations are complex or difficult.

If you operate a family business it is important to understand your wishes for succession so it is clear who will have what role in the company.

So often a tangle of wires is left for family to untangle. Whatever issues may have transpired before can be intensified as a result.

These can be difficult matters to address. You can only really do so when of sound mind and health.

It serves you when you may be at a time of crisis. It serves others to have clarity of your wishes for you and for them.

Be ready.

With this, I can only wish everyone a long and healthy life. I do know however, none of us last forever.

We never know what tomorrow may bring. Planning need be done in advance of needing it.

Best gift ever.

That is where your power resides.

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I am Gary Direnfeld and I am a social worker. Check out all my services and then call me if you need help with a personal issue, mental health concern, child behavior or relationship, divorce or separation issue or even help growing your practice. I am available in person and by video conferencing.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

gary@yoursocialworker.com
www.yoursocialworker.com for counseling and support

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Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert in social work, marital and family therapy, child development, parent-child relations and custody and access matters. Gary is the host of the TV reality show, Newlywed, Nearly Dead, former parenting columnist for the Hamilton Spectator and author of Marriage Rescue: Overcoming the ten deadly sins in failing relationships. Gary maintains a private practice in Georgina Ontario, providing a range of services for people in distress. He speaks at conferences and workshops throughout North America. He consults to mental health professionals as well as to mediators and collaborative law professionals about good practice as well as building their practice.