POV: I’m 40 and I Had a Medical Emergency
Why I’m Telling You This Story
In law school, professors sometimes use hypotheticals (known as “hypos” in my nightmares) to illustrate legal concepts in a more relatable way. Although terrifying, I found these hypos to be highly beneficial. They provided real-world examples of the law in action. By putting myself in someone else’s shoes, I was better able to understand the legal principles being taught.
Inspired by this approach, I decided to write a blog post from the perspective of “Sarah,” a 40-year-old working mother with two young children. While Sarah’s story is made up in my mind, I know that countless individuals have gone through similar experiences that are deeply real.
I’m 40, Raising Two Kids, and I Had a Health Scare. These Documents Made All the Difference.
Hi. I’m Sarah. I’m 40 years old. I work full-time and I raise my two teenage kids on my own. I constantly juggle school schedules, grocery runs, bedtime routines, and work deadlines. I’m the glue that holds everything together.
One Thursday afternoon, I started getting a bad headache at work. I figured it was stress or maybe too much screen time, so I took some ibuprofen and tried to push through the day. By the time I got home, I felt worse. The headache had turned into chest pain, and I was feeling lightheaded and nauseous. I was in the kitchen trying to get a glass of water when I collapsed. My 13-year-old daughter found me on the floor, throwing up and barely conscious.
At the hospital, doctors told my sister I had a ruptured brain aneurysm. The bleeding in my brain caused my heart to go into an abnormal rhythm, and I briefly went into cardiac arrest before they were able to stabilize me. They put me in a medically induced coma to give my body time to recover. I was unconscious for almost two weeks before I was able to speak again.
Fortunately, about six months prior, I met with an attorney and prepared some critical legal documents that, at the time, felt like a waste of time. I never thought anything like this would happen to me, but my family kept encouraging me, and I finally caved. The process wasn’t that bad, but it still felt unnecessary at the time.
Looking back now, after making a full recovery, I am so glad I took the time to have those documents in place. Here are a few reasons I’m grateful I put a plan together:
1. My Sister Could Speak for Me in the Hospital
My attorney and I worked together on preparing a medical power of attorney. This document meant my sister, not my ex or a court, had the authority to speak to my doctors and make decisions on my behalf while I was in the coma. There were no HIPAA roadblocks, no delays, and no confusion. The hospital had what they needed, and so did my family.
2. Our Bills Still Got Paid
I’m the one who handles the finances at home: the mortgage, utilities, and everything else. But while I was in the hospital, my sister didn’t have to scramble. She used my financial power of attorney to access my checking account and take care of the essentials. She was even able to notify my employer and file paperwork for short-term disability. Everything stayed on track, and nothing fell through the cracks. I wasn’t discharged until a whole month after the accident, and it was nice to come home to a mailbox that wasn’t filled with overdue account notices and late fees.
3. My Kids Were Safe and Supported
The most important thing to me, both then and now, is my kids. Because I had planned ahead, my sister had everything she needed: their school contact information, medical history, and even temporary guardianship instructions that we included in my estate plan (even though they may not be legally binding). They were able to maintain their routine, surrounded by people I trust.
4. No One Had to Guess My Wishes
At one point, the doctors discussed the possibility of life-sustaining treatment and even “pulling the plug.” My sister didn’t have to make an impossible decision or guess what I would’ve wanted, because I’d already put it in writing in a living will. That document took the pressure off her during one of the most difficult moments of her life.
The Three Documents That Made All the Difference
- Medical Power of Attorney. Allows someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable.
- Financial Power of Attorney. Authorizes someone to manage your finances and legal affairs in the event of incapacity.
- Living Will. States your preferences for life support and other end-of-life care.
Final Thoughts
Like Sarah, you don’t need to be wealthy or elderly to require an estate plan. If you have children, make decisions for your household, or have people who depend on you, these documents are essential. They are easy to create and can make a significant difference in unexpected situations. Most of these forms are available online and do not require an attorney’s involvement! Regardless of how you complete yours, make sure that these critical documents are part of your estate planning portfolio today.