While we lived in the Pecan Grove subdivision in Richmond, TX, Linda owned a Pontiac Fiero car.  While Brad, my son, visited with us one summer from his Little Rock home, I offered to teach him how to drive a stick shift (standard transmission) car - Linda's car.  I reasoned that it was better to wreck Linda's car because that is the only car I ever really hated...and because my car had an automatic transmission.  In undertaking such an instructional endeavor, father and son will either become mortal enemies or really appreciate each other even more.  Linda's Pontiac Fiero was a two-seater black car that was soooo low to the ground that you could scrape your knuckles getting out of it.  The only graceful way to get into the car was turn your butt to the seat and fall in.

Our first driving step was to sit in the car and discuss the dynamics of driving a stick-shift car; e.g., how to synchronize the movement of the clutch and gas peddle; how to stop the car without killing the engine; how to start forward on an incline, etc.  Once we completed our preliminary "how to" discussions, we were now ready to proceed to step #2.  Brad started the car and proceeded to back out of the parking area and in doing so, he promptly stalled the engine.  I encouraged Brad to get the engine RPMs up and let the clutch out slowing.  He promptly stalled the engine again and again and again.  On the ??? try, Brad had the engine RPMs racing at the red-line level and engaged the clutch and magically we moved backwards out of the parking area.  Very carefully, Brad shifted the car in first gear and stalled the engine again but was quick to try, try, try again.  We then moved out of the parking lot into the roadway and drove to another less populated area of the subdivision so he could practice without fear of hitting something, or someone, or they hitting him.  After a few more stalls, we continued our practiced with turns and back-up and a few stop sign take-offs with traffic behind us.

Over the next few days, Brad began to master the stick shift in Linda's car and continued on his mother's car - a stick shift Datsun (KNA Nissan).  Brad later had a pick up truck given to him from his maternal grandfather.  This truck had a standard stick shift, which he was now competent to drive.  Since Houston does not have many hills, Brad could only practice stopping and starting on an incline when he returned to his Little Rock home.  Brad later bought a stick shift Nissan truck after someone hit is first truck while at college at the University of Tulsa.

• Use your assets to pay your everyday expenses and those of your family
• Buy, sell, maintain, or pay taxes on a residence, or other property
• Collect benefits from Social Security, Medicare, or other government programs or civil or military service
• Handle transactions with banks and other financial institutions
• File your taxes and pay if necessary or collect and appropriately deposit refund

A Medical Power of Attorney for Health Care:
Even though your durable power of attorney can remain intact should you become incapacitated (if you clearly outline this in the document), some people choose to designate another person (can also be the same or a different person) as their agent in their medical power of attorney for health care.

It's not necessary to have extensive medical knowledge to prepare your own medical power of attorney. You can create a simple or complex document that covers any or all of the following topics plus others you deem necessary: transfusions of blood and blood products, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), diagnostic tests, dialysis, administration of drugs, use of a respirator, and surgery.

Here are some issues that you might want your medical power of attorney to deal with in the event that you become incapacitated:

• Consent to or refuse consent to any medical treatment that affects your physical or mental health (there are important limitations so be sure to consult with your attorney)
• Hire or fire medical personnel and get second opinions
• Select the most appropriate medical facilities for you
• Visit you in the hospital or other facility even when other visiting is restricted
• Have access to medical records and other personal information
• Get court authorization, if required to obtain or withhold medical treatment, if for some reason a hospital or doctor does not honor your healthcare declaration

A Living Will:
A Living Will is also called a Healthcare Directive or Directive to Physicians. This legal document informs your healthcare providers of your preferences about certain kinds of medical treatment and life-sustaining procedures at times when you may be unable to communicate these wishes. If your living will is properly prepared, your physicians are legally bound to respect your wishes or to transfer you to a healthcare provider who will.

It may not be pleasant to think about times in your life when you will be unable to communicate your wishes, much less put all this into writing, but doing so ahead of time ensures that your wishes will be fulfilled properly. Preparing these three important legal documents now will give you peace of mind for years to come. Having your attorney, or the Law Office of Christopher Grier, P.C., assist you in this matter will ensure the documents are prepared properly and promptly and ease the stressful burden on you.