The Laughing Wolf

Trust and Testing

Yesterday's post has generated some comments that deserve some comment back. Some quick thoughts are as follows.

I meant in no way to suggest suicide, but rather planning. You need to have a power of attorney, power of attorney for healthcare, and a living will/declaration in states that support/require same. Have them all, and talk with the people who hold them.

Nor should this be just anyone. To be honest, none of my blood hold them, for the people that the state would look to are people I do not trust with same. The reason I don't trust them is that both Dad and I tested some people, and the person I had hoped I could count upon failed every test that came their way. Since blood family was not up to the task, I turned to my "real" family, those that I have chosen as being more than blood to me. If you have no family, go to the family you chose and find a true friend.

As for how I want to die, to steal from Bored Of The Rings I would really rather my death be quick, painless, and someone else's. That not being likely, and my next preference being rather hard on the partner who is left behind (third is being shot at age 142 by the enraged father of an 18-year-old female), I will take what comes. Since whatever you plan for doesn't happen, I have planned for cancer, extended illness, etc. Should such come, all I can say is hospice and home. My executors know this, and I know that they will make me as comfortable as possible. What fate awaits, who knows, but I have planned for those I deem the worst.

When I was much younger, I had a clear vision of my death. In it, I am in full gear, and the ramp is down. We are low, very low, such that no reserve is being used. We are over mountains, there is deep snow on the ground, and the occasional evergreen flashes by. Somehow, I know it is not the jump that will kill me, but something after.

Times change, things change, but plan ahead as it is the last and best gift you can give those you leave behind.

LW