Parents should not have to worry about if they have anything to leave their children in an estate or not. Their concern should be concentrated on getting well. Any child who worries if they will receive anything from their parents in my opinion, does not love their parent. When my Dad passed away all I received was an old shotgun. That didn't worry me in the least bit, but I have a life time of great memories. That is the best thing I could have gotten.

I'm 55 and already have in my living will that I will not be kept alive after brain death or if permanent respirators and/or mega amounts of drugs are required to keep me alive.

At some point, lying in a nursing home drooling on yourself while only kept alive by man-made drugs is serving man's fears of death rather than trusting God. I'm not saying that we try to die on purpose, rather let God and the body run it's course without fear. If I am that sick and would die without that much help, I at that point consider it God's will and won't fight it.

This is not an issue with burdening anyone or conserving capital. For me and my family it is paying attention to what God is telling us.

I love my parents more than I 'love' money, so that should be easy!

Take care in how you raise your children for they may choose your fate.

Old Tale:

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor". So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinners together.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when you get old." The four year old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Grant, it has been years since I have heard that story but it still brings a tear to my eyes when I hear it. Things do happen like that, and when the one who is being used to reprove us for wrong doings, completes their job, I hope we are smart enough to realize that God is trying to get our attention.
Thanks Brother, have a blessed day.