Just In Case Binder – being thoughtful to those left behind

Some readers asked me about the “Just In Case” binder. It is a resource you can use to put all information someone would need if you become incapacitated or pass away.

While many don’t like to think about this topic, this binder is a valuable resource for putting your affairs in order. It would contain pertinent information readily available and all in one spot.

Categories include: Executor information, Financial information, Funeral service/celebration of life, Life insurance policies and pension information, Enduring power of attorney and health care directive etc.

I know it would have been a huge help to us as we settled our parent’s affairs.

There is a Canadian website where you can learn more and even purchase one ($50) if you wish – this resource was developed in 2014 and has since been updated.

For information go to: http://www.saskatooncommunityfoundation.ca or you can phone 1-306-665-1756. I think it is well worth the money.

I also Googled “Just in Case” and there were various websites where you can print off worksheets that might accomplish the same thing.

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On May 4th I was having a restless night so about 1:30 a.m. I reached for my phone and the next thing I knew I was lying on my right side on the wooden floor by our bed.

I felt a sharp pain in my back, low on the right side and couldn’t catch my breathe. I stayed still for a couple of minutes till I got my breath, stood up and thought “I wonder if I’ll have bruises from that stupid move.”

I got back into bed, beside my snoring husband, but soon realized the pain was too much. I got up, took a couple of pain pills and went out to the living room to read.

Once I became suitably sleepy I crawled back into bed (husband still snoring) and slept for a couple of hours. When I woke up and moved I realized that the pain had not gone away.

While I never had an x-ray because there is nothing that can be done for cracked or broken ribs my Chiropractor said I had probably cracked a rib.

My dad had broken ribs. (I think he was about my age) He was thrown from a horse and his ribs punctured his lungs. He had difficulty breathing so had to be hospitalized. I was not having trouble breathing although it did hurt to take a breath.

I read ‘Dr. Google’ and watched for any other worrying symptoms. I had none, other than a sharp pain when I breathed, turned or heaven forbid, coughed or sneezed.

Now, five weeks post fall, I’m not thinking ‘ouch’ every time I move.

The Chiropractor said to walk lots to keep the blood flowing to the injured spot and for the first week it was a slow, painful go. He was able to ease the muscle spasms.

You might be asking why I went to a chiropractor? My family physician had given up his practise due to all the shenanigans of our UPC government. I trust my Chiropractor as I have been seeing him for over 8 years so knew he would refer me if that was needed.

The moral of the story is that this experience brought to light how vulnerable we are and how in seconds or minutes our lives can suddenly change.

I was lucky. While painful, it wasn’t life-altering. Mostly I was embarrassed and then angry that I had done such a silly thing. My Chiropractor did tell me that seniors falling our of bed is more common than I thought…….

Our daughter suggested my husband push our bed against the wall to prevent another mishap. Our 13 year old grandson suggested I get a metal bed guard like the one he had when he was a toddler and kept falling out of bed!

While the helpful suggestions made me smile, I am now trying to be more mindful of where I start out in the bed each night……

So that is why there has been no BLOG since April. I’m about 85% better and can try hitting 10-15 golf balls next week at the driving range. Life, as I know it, is getting back to normal.