Who says reading US Weekly can’t be educational? Granted there’s not much to learn from following Lindsay Lohan’s ups-and-downs but sometimes popular culture can make us look at our own lives and encourage us to do something we’ve been avoiding. Listening to the coverage of Michael Jackson’s untimely death may bring you flashbacks to bad 80s leather jackets or rekindle bewilderment over his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley–did that actually happen? Whatever you feel for Michael Jackson, it’s almost impossible for any parent to listen to Michael’s sad life and not feel something for his three children–and what will happen to them now.
The answer seems to be his mother will get custody (with Diana Ross as a backup provider). Since Michael seems to have nothing but unfond memories of his own upbringing, one wonders if he really gave much thought to who would provide for his children should something happen to him. Didn’t the pop icon once brag he would make it to 150? If one believes they are invincible, why put much thought into a will?
When it comes to our own children, all of us are a little guilty of the invincibility act. Can any of us really picture our children’s life without us? For this reason, too many of us either have no will (or one with too little thought put into it). Is your named guardian really the best option should something unforseen occur?
If you’re one of those parents without a will (or one in need of updating), I encourage you to do it sooner rather than later. Don’t know where to begin? Cookie has a great article outlining the three easiest ways to make a will. It’s a great place to get started.