We had our children complete a durable power of attorney and Power of Attorney for health care the day they turned 18. and updated annually. Since they are away at school, we also had simple wills drawn (made sure bank accounts/life ins listed us as beneficiaries or listed as signors) We had wording to be included as guardians should they do something stupid like getting married so we are not shut out - don't know if that will hold up in Ca.
News reports about Terri Schiavo have given me an excellent opportunity to talk to my grown children about our end of life desires. One daughter said dhe wouldn't want to be like Terri, but then agreed that she had better think it over. This same daughter is still married to a man that she seperated from 5 years ago.....
We may treat it like a fimly joke, by I'll print out living wills and pass them out. I found out 6 years ago that I DON't want certain family members in charge. After my husband died, I left the hospital and then his son took over, "No autopsy." It was the ol' macho, "he's been cut on enough..." Now we still don't know what really killed him. For all I know, it could have been a hospital nurse knocking off patients.
What do I want? I've told my kids to park me in front of a tv and wait on me hand and foot. Play my video tapes for me and do NOT get them in the wrong order.
Stupid 'jokes' like that can at least help break the ice when people need to talk about these subjects.