By Susan M. Graham, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Senior Edge Legal, Idaho
Stories are the best gifts I’ve received from my family and friends. They don’t cost much and are priceless treasures. Write one on plain or elaborate paper, place it in a large or small box, wrapped in a newspaper and tied with a ribbon or string or a rubber band. What a grand surprise for the recipient to open!
I received an Egyptian scarab this way. Decades ago an elderly cousin, Kathy, sent me her father’s gold ring with a scarab stone and the story about the ring. During the 1800’s, England had their troops loot the tombs of Egypt. The soldiers were instructed that if they stole any items for themselves they would be severely disciplined. One soldier dropped this scarab while his arms were filled. He picked the scarab up, stuffed it in his pocket, and continued to work. Getting ready for bed, he came across the pocketed scarab, but dared not say anything for fear he would be punished. That young soldier became the elderly neighbor of my great grandfather, Dr. John Marshal Barkley. Dr. Barkley gave the scarab as a wedding gift to his son-in-law Hubert Person. Hubert had the stone mounted on man’s ring. Cousin Kathy gave me the ring and the story. I have passed the ring and the story on to another cousin. Each of us are delighted.
Stories are one fragment of estate planning. They are a part of an opportunity to paint the picture of the future you want to share not only now, but after you are gone. Don’t put it off. Create and implement your estate plan now to protect your future and loved ones.
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If you would like to speak with me about your own estate planning goals, don’t procrastinate! Call for an appointment (208-344-0375) to begin an estate plan to meet your goals. This FREE 30-minute consultation [a $225 value] is available if we are the right law firm to help you.
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“Beyond Retirement” Learning Series has gone LIVE!
Free webinar – Episode 29
“Give a Priceless Gift to Your Children – Protect Their Inheritance from Predators” will be LIVE on Thursday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)
To register, go to senioredgelegal.com/beyond.
