Deceased Dad needs Help W/ Probate Fees Excess to St Jude Hosp

I lost my Mother in April 2012. As of November 8, 2015, my Father lost his battle with Cancer. Having no living parents causes very distraught feelings. My parents left behind two adult children, one son (me) and one daughter. My sister has always been challenged as it relates to getting along with people or establishing friendships. Although not “clinically” diagnosed as being mentally ill, most of our relatives believes she has fairly serious mental issues but she refuses to seek help in that regard. My father was a very modest man who had few assets except his residence and furnishings, a few musical instruments, a car, jewelry and a small amount of cash. Both of my parents have stated over the years that their love for their two children were different but equal, and that at the end of their lives we could expect to see their last Will expressed in equal terms financially. That belief is my motivation in writing this request.

My sister was his caregiver the last few months of his life. As many of you know, a person who is dying is typically heavily medicated and is particularly vulnerable to suggestion about Power of Attorney, Changing their Will Etc. Particularly when a close relative is making the suggestion and other relatives are literally hundreds of miles away. Since my Father’s death my sister is refusing to vacate my father’s house, refusing to allow anyone in his house and will not or cannot produce a valid last Will and Testament. The rest of the family does not want to get the Police / Sheriff involved unless we get some kind of Court Order to resolve this. Our family has spoken to several Probate Lawyers about this but none of us can come up with $12,000. to $18,000.,that is required to bring this matter to a peaceful resolution. I am asking folks who are reading this to send a few dollars so that we can end a nightmare that is literally tearing the family into pieces. Any amount left over from the legal effort will be donated to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A Cause that many of our family members hold dear to their hearts.

Below are six things I am learning to do in my life, which will help me to survive the rest of my life. I hope these words somehow inspire you and bring new meaning to some aspect of your life. May God Bless you. The Baldwin Family wish you well.

1. Never take the people or things in your life for granted.

This is very clichéd, I agree, but that doesn’t make it any less valid.

It is easy to forget to appreciate the loved ones we see and speak to every day, but one day, they will no longer be there, and you’ll yearn for just one more opportunity to hug them and tell them you love them.

The same goes for everything you have in life; you never know when your life will change, and you may not have a roof over your head or a hot meal to eat.

Be grateful and humble for everyone and everything you have because nobody knows what the future holds.

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2. Let go.

Truly let go of anger, regret, fear and sadness — anything holding you down.

Whatever it may be, it will do nothing but hold you back from opportunities and moving forward in life. By letting go, you are taking control of your life rather than letting your emotions control you.

3. Surround yourself with people — good people.

I cannot stress this one enough because I would have never survived anything I’ve gone through in my life without the friends and family who were by my side through it all.

Everyone needs someone, whether it is a best friend, a significant other or a sibling. It doesn’t matter who your people are, just make sure you have them and you let them in.

You will know who the good ones are. Cut the toxic people out of your life early because they will only bring you down.

4. Don’t be afraid to feel.

Throughout life, you will be pushed to your limits, and each time, it will feel like it can’t possibly get any worse, but more often than not, it will. It is important to not let these times destroy you or define you, but rather, to help you to grow.

I couldn’t understand for a very long time what feeling this pain that never really goes away has done for me, but I eventually realized it has taught be to be strong, humble and bold. The pain is a part of me now, and it always will be.

5. Remember people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

People will die; people will leave, and sometimes, they just decide they no longer want to be in your life anymore. Whatever it may be, it is important to remember that there is a purpose for each person who enters and exits your life.

6. Don’t forget to live.

I have not felt more alive than when I stepped outside of my comfort zone to do things I wouldn’t have normally done. After my father passed away, I promised myself I wouldn’t continue to live my life in the background; I would do substantial things with my life and make every moment count.

You only get one life; live it and love it to the fullest of your ability, and don’t let the hard times break you. Again, May God Bless You and Yours