Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.
Author Unknown

Anticipating the joy of starting their own family, Ellen and her husband purchased and moved into the home where she was raised. They were looking forward to the joy of watching their future children play in a home full of her childhood memories.  Ellen’s youthful handprints were still visible in the cement drive. Her playhouse was still in the backyard.

Then the unthinkable happened. Within a few months of moving into their new home, Ellen received crushing news. In her words:

On October 30, 2006, my life changed in the blink of an eye. After one visit with my dermatologist, we were given the horrible news that I had melanoma on my scalp. In an instant all our hopes and dreams for the upcoming years were shattered. It was surreal that our lives could be going in one direction and in a second it felt like it had crumbled to pieces and there was absolutely nothing we could do.

At age 29 and after a valiant year long fight with cancer, my young friend and neighbor, Ellen, passed away just a few weeks ago. Her short life impacted the lives of many. From community service to strong friendships, she touched lives with her strength and leadership. She will be missed.

Just the week before Ellen’s passing, my father-in-law also passed. Charlie was in his late 80’s and had spent his last years in a nursing home. Memory gone, he was pleasant but detached, not remembering our 23 year history of Christmas Eve dinners, birthday celebrations, fish fries, or my teaching him how to shop for groceries after his wife and my mother-in-law had passed. A big man, Charlie had lived a full life, was a World War II veteran, and family man. Although he is gone, his memory lingers.

I share these stories not to sadden or depress, but to help us all realize and understand the fragility of life. We are not promised another day of life or health, so fully live the life you have been given. Use your gifts. Connect with people. Don’t let fear rob you of your potential or hold you back from living your dreams. Dare to begin.

Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning. John Henry Cardinal

NOTE: Wills and powers of attorney are not age-related documents. Estate planning is important for every adult. Financial documents ensure your wishes are carried out.

• Protect yourself and your family by having the correct life insurance in place.
• Have a central location to organize all your financial documents.
• Understand beneficiary designations and how they impact your planning.
• Make sure your assets are titled properly.

Look at this idea from two perspectives:

• You are the one left behind. You are the beneficiary, trustee or executor who will be left to pick up the pieces.
• You are organizing documents for your personal estate planning. How can you simplify and protect your loved ones?

Check out Wills and Estate Planning Information at NOLO.com

Nolo is a great place to start your research to understand the concepts of estate planning. Be cautious however. Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Please consult with a trusted advisor to ensure financial planning documents are properly prepared.  For yourself.  For your loved ones.