I'll Get to That . . .

I woke up last week to the news of the untimely death of a potential client.  I say potential because though we talked a couple of times on the telephone and though there were a few appointments scheduled, cancelled and rescheduled we never actually met.  I only know what he looked like from his picture in the obituary section.  I wish I could say this was the first time that this has happened.  Unfortunately, it is all too common.  I am hopeful that for him and his family other things, like life insurance, didn't also fall into the category of "I'll get to that."Those left behind will come see me or another attorney and we will go about the business of "sorting things out."   Ultimately things will be sorted out and life will continue.  But, an opportunity was lost.  A chance to possibly do some good.  A chance to share values.  A chance to make the transition a little smoother.  Each of us have different reasons why we don't get around to estate planning.  We are too busy or we are not quite sure who to put in charge.  I am sure there are many other reasons.  Hockey great Wayne Gretzky once said:  "Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy."We don't plan for ourselves, we plan for those we will leave behind.  Don't let procrastination take its heavy toll on them and their happiness.  I had a friend who used to tell me: “Nike may say Just Do It, but I say Do it Now!”    So start today and then get it done!