When The Order of Things Goes Terribly Wrong

Originally published in allaboutestates.ca on Feb. 24, 2014:

This past week I attended a funeral of a friend of my son’s- age 24- who died in a road accident while on vacation. Every parent’s worst nightmare- to lose a child.

Watching his parents and his grandparents toss earth to cover his coffin was heartbreaking. I know they would have changed places with him- exchanged their lives for his- in a heart beat. Of course, no one has that option.

We can only share in their grief and wonder why this happened. The remembering of a life lived as fully as possible in such a short time- yet extinguished before having reached his potential. The outpouring of love and support directed to his family and friends – is the message I want to share today. Death can bring families and friends closer together- yet why do we have to wait until a tragedy occurs to remember the good times, the love that was shared and the memories and occasions enjoyed together?

The estate litigation matters with which I am involved are often fueled by anger and an almost hatred among family members. It may have to do with money but it is also about our familial relationships.

When life can change in the blink of an eye, let’s try to remember the important lessons of love, care and respect that sometimes gets forgotten in the busyness of our daily lives.

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