Stuff happens, are you ready?

National Preparedness Month: Why My Sons Have “Permission Slips” for Life

When my two sons turned 18, I made sure they each had a Power of Attorney and an Advance Health Care Directive in place. At that point, nothing happened—except life. One bought a house, the other got married and had two kids.

Along the way, I reminded them that their documents needed to be updated to reflect their new lives. But like many parents, I didn’t push too hard. After all, these are not easy conversations.

Then, last year, my son and his wife were preparing for their 5th wedding anniversary trip—their first time away from the kids. That’s when I finally spoke up firmly. I told them they needed the basics: updated Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, and, most importantly, a Will that named guardians for the children.

I knew the guardianship decision was hard. To make it easier, I reassured my son that I supported whatever choice they made—even if it meant selecting her parents, who lived nearby and were terrific with the kids. I also offered to cover the cost so they could work with an attorney I trusted to prepare the documents correctly.

At the same time, I reminded my other son—unmarried but a new homeowner—that he, too, needed a plan. Even without children, he needed a trust and decision-makers designated for the unexpected. He agreed, and I engaged the same attorney for him.

We finalized the documents at the end of 2024.

Just a month later, my son and his wife left for that anniversary trip. Driving on a back road only 40 miles from home, they were broadsided. Their car was totaled.

Thankfully, the children were with their grandparents, and my son and daughter-in-law escaped with only minor injuries. (Thank you, Subaru!) But in that moment, my relief wasn’t only that they were physically safe. It was also knowing that, had things gone differently, their children and their future were protected.

That’s why I’m sharing this story.

If you have adult children—whether they’re heading to college, buying their first home, or starting a family—help them get their “permission slips” in order. Powers of Attorney. Health Care Directives. Wills and Trusts when needed. Even if you need to subsidize the process, the peace of mind is worth it.

I could have suggested you need to get these documents in order, and you should, but I know from experience, I do things to protect my children before myself. If you need help getting these documents in order, I have several referrals whether it is DIY, Attorney or Legal Plan I can offer. Reach out to me at www.calendly.com/biewer to schedule a private call.

This September is National Preparedness Month. Take action now. You’ll sleep better knowing the people you love most are protected.

Laura