Thinking of 'back ups' ...

Do hope this doesn't put our members into gales of laughter but I was thinking this morning about how we are (quite rightly) often nearly fanatic about backing up all the important stuff on our computers.

After all, if our computers go 'poof!', what a nightmare even if we have stuff backed up on discs or servers or thumb drives.

Yet, apparently - young or old - so many don't do a 'back up' for those we love.

Young and healthy? In case of an accident or serious disease, does your family know what your choices would be re life-support, etc? (Advanced Health Directive).

Who will ensure your wishes (above) will be followed ... or if there is no Advanced Health Directive made, who will make decisions on your behalf?(Decision made while usually suffering masses of guilt and stress less they make the 'wrong' decision). (Power of Attorney for Health and Personal Care).

And who will fight on your behalf with the medical insurance company ... who will ensure all money due you still comes in while you can't make decisions? (Power of Attorney for Financial Matters).

And, of course, that pesky 'Last Will and Testament' (suspect most of us would rather scrub toilets than work on what makes us feel so vulnerable ).

Any lawyers in our midst here are bound to get instant gray hair when I say that if one can't afford a lawyer to draw up all the above things (and who really can?) ... even a simple clear statement of one's wishes and intentions, signed by you in front of two personal friends that act as witnesses is so, so much better than leaving those we love with 'no backup' at all should something happen.

 

I have a will. Had my attorney draw it up 15 years ago and I updated it last year. There is more to a will then just who gets what. For example I want to make sure that I am not kept alive by any machines or artificial means. I also have it stating I want to be cremated and also have the place I want my ashes dispersed.

A will is something everyone should have. Just make sure to keep it updated.

 

I still do not have a will and although I have 2 kids and a missus, I still think I am too young to get a will done.
I used to work for a company that used to write wills and even the guy their said that as I have a house and kids, it needs doing.
I always see wills (and no offence intended here) for old people

 

I agree Dave. I have never even heard of a young person dying. By the way, LOOK OUT FOR THAT BUS!!!

 

Barry, I know I should have one and its just one of those things, its like hospitals, people dont like going to hospitals as it reminds them of death.

A will makes me feel like I am old!
I am a spring chicken at 26 years young

 

So, so glad you have a Will, BSchwarz - good for you!!!

Here, we have the 'strangest' system ... our Wills only 'kick in' when we die - so they do us no good re instructions about no life support etc - which is where our 'Advanced Health Directives' kick in. So glad you have a better system where you are!

Oh tut tut and shame on you, Dalo! Here's a 'guilt trip' for you ...

My father always that to make no decision about something was actually making a decision in itself. And to not put one's affairs in order simply meant we loved ourselves more than those we love. (Yup, I actually had a Will when starting University - simply because I was scared if I died without one my Father would surely haunt me! )

 

Im waiting for the cryogenics to move on a bit
or at the very least cloning - just think there could be 2 or more of me (then I really could annoy Barry 24/7)

 

Got to admit that one of my biggest fears in life is ending up on life support paralysed from the neck down, or similar UK law states that it is illegal to assist anyone with euthanasia, which I find strange as even animals get 'Put Down' to be kind.

 

Or in Barrys case from the neck up :lol:

 

Your words, "one of my biggest fears in life is ending up on life support paralyzed from the neck down or similar" brought back a rush of memories that reinforced why I too share your fear, Match.

The first time I ever met someone that was not just helpless physically but helpless to make any decisions regarding his own life was when I was 22 and the victim 19.

An accident - and instantly from a healthy young man to one paralyzed from the top of his shoulders down. His parents, while he was still in a coma and on life support, were told the prognosis but while his mother wanted to 'let him go' (believing he wouldn't want to live like this), his father wanted him kept alive (believing any type of life is better than none).

Coma ended, life support ended as the body healed ... and I met Mark 6 months later, in hospital. Needn't describe his day to day 'life' - but how he wanted to die - and couldn't.

I too firmly believe that if one wants to die they should not be forced to live (not talking about depression here but serious illness or injury).

Not only is it illegal re assisted suicide, here just being in the same room as a person taking their own life and knowing they are going to do it, is illegal.'

So those like Mark live on in hell unable to do anything about it ... and others, no matter in excruciating pain, are forced to die alone in order those they loved aren't charged with a crime.

I agree - animals are 'put down to be kind' - but guess we love our animals more than our fellow human beings?

 

I think that one of the most stupid laws in this country is that if you assist someone to go to somewhere like Sweden, I think it is where euthenasia is legal, knowing that their intention is to end their life, then when you return to the UK you can be prosecuted.

surley on that principal people that go to places like Amsterdam where prostitution is legal and certain substances are legal, should face tests to see if they have broken the law on returning to the UK and be prosecuted?

 

Oh my dod, I had no idea that could happen! After all, what one does in a Country (if it's legal there) shouldn't have any bearing when returning home??!

I can only imagine it will take some of those in power to watch someone they love die an excruciating death before they realize that are hypocrites.

If any one of them let their pet be put to sleep when in agony and no hope exists ... yet can reconcile within their mind that a human requesting the same be denied ... more than a bit scary to me.

For some, inhaling on a regular basis is enough - and that is surely their right. For others, their rights seemed to be trampled left and right.

Perhaps every single Legislator that is against one making their own decisions should be forced to sit by a patient dying in agony for a minimum of 48 hours. What we 'learn' in books is far different than reality.

 

Hi

I'm 22 ATM 23 soon so not thinking about making a Will just yet ... but its a good idea to not leave a lot of problems for the people we leave behind

 

LOL hmmm revenge for having to deal with their problems while I'm alive

 

^ :lol::lol::lol: