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Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Finding Strength: Overcoming Obstacles and Embracing Life as an Amputee


 Life has a way of presenting us with unexpected challenges, pushing us to our limits, and testing our resilience. In 1988 or 1989, within the walls of a hospital in Hawaii, I found myself facing one of the most significant hurdles of my life. Already an amputee below the knee, my journey took an unexpected turn as my bones began to grow rapidly due to a growth spurt. Suddenly, I was unable to walk on my prosthetic leg, and a new battle to reconstruct and fix my bones began. This is the story of my journey from a wheelchair to reclaiming my ability to walk, run, and jump, and how I continue to embrace life's opportunities at 45 years old.

Imagine the emotional rollercoaster of being an amputee and then having to face the challenge of bone growth interfering with your mobility. It was a daunting situation that initially left me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, deep within, a fire ignited, and I resolved to find a solution.

The path toward recovery took me through countless physical therapy sessions and surgical interventions. It was a journey that demanded unwavering determination, patience, and a considerable amount of physical and emotional strength. But with each small step forward, I discovered a reservoir of resilience within myself that I never knew existed.

Physical therapy became my guiding light during this arduous journey. The therapists, with their expertise and unwavering support, became my pillars of strength. Together, we embarked on a mission to reconstruct and fix my bones, one step at a time. It was not an easy road; it required perseverance, pushing past my comfort zone, and embracing discomfort in pursuit of progress.

For a time, I relied on a wheelchair as my means of mobility. It was a humbling experience that taught me invaluable lessons about patience, adaptability, and gratitude. The wheelchair was not a symbol of defeat but rather a temporary resting place, a reminder of the strength that resided within me.

Through the tireless efforts of physical therapy and my unwavering determination, I experienced a profound transformation. Gradually, my ability to walk, run, and jump was restored. Each milestone became a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the human body. I discovered that limitations are only temporary barriers that can be overcome with the right mindset and support.

Today, at 45 years old, I walk with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. My journey through adversity has taught me to seize every opportunity, appreciate the simple joys of movement, and never take anything for granted. I am a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and I strive to inspire others to embrace their own challenges with unwavering determination.

The hospital in Hawaii during 1988 or 1989 marked a significant juncture in my life—a time when I faced the unexpected with unwavering resolve. Through the trials and tribulations of reconstructing and fixing my bones, physical therapy became my guiding light, leading me back to freedom of movement. Today, as I traverse life at 45 years old, I hold onto the lessons learned during that transformative period. I am a living testament to the power of resilience, and I carry within me the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. May my journey inspire others to embrace their own challenges and find the courage to live life to the fullest.

Here are 15 differences between a Last Will and a Trust:








 1. Legal Document: A Last Will (also known as a Will or Last Will and Testament) is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after your death. A Trust, on the other hand, is a legal entity created to hold and manage assets during your lifetime and after your death.


2. Activation: A Last Will becomes effective only after your death, while a Trust can be activated during your lifetime (known as a living trust) or upon your death (known as a testamentary trust).


3. Probate: A Last Will generally requires probate, which is a court-supervised process that validates the Will and oversees the distribution of assets. A Trust, if properly funded and structured, can help avoid probate altogether.


4. Privacy: The contents of a Last Will become public records during the probate process, meaning they can be accessed by anyone. A Trust, however, can provide privacy as its terms are generally not made public.


5. Asset Distribution: A Last Will specifies how your assets should be distributed after your death. A Trust, when properly funded, allows you to transfer assets to designated beneficiaries without going through probate.


6. Testamentary Guardianship: A Last Will allows you to appoint a guardian for your minor children. A Trust does not have this provision.


7. Immediate Effect: A Last Will has no legal effect until your death, whereas a Trust can provide for the management of assets immediately upon its creation.


8. Flexibility: A Trust offers more flexibility in terms of managing and distributing assets. You can include specific instructions on how assets should be managed and distributed, even beyond your death, whereas a Will is typically limited to post-death instructions.


9. Cost: Creating a Trust can be more expensive than creating a Last Will due to the legal fees involved in setting up and maintaining the Trust.


10. Speed of Distribution: Assets distributed through a Trust can be transferred to beneficiaries more quickly than those distributed through a Last Will, which may be subject to probate delays.


11. Incapacity Planning: A Trust can provide for the management of your assets in the event of your incapacity, ensuring continuity and avoiding the need for guardianship or conservatorship. A Last Will does not address incapacity.


12. Contestability: A Last Will can be contested in court by disgruntled beneficiaries or family members. A Trust, when properly drafted, can be more difficult to challenge.


13. Property Ownership: A Trust allows you to transfer assets into the ownership of the Trust, whereas a Last Will only designates how assets should be distributed.


14. Asset Protection: Depending on the type of Trust, it can offer asset protection benefits, shielding assets from creditors or legal claims. A Last Will does not provide this level of protection.


15. Continuity: A Trust can provide for the management and distribution of assets beyond your lifetime, ensuring a smooth transition for future generations. A Last Will only covers the distribution of assets at the time of your death.


It's important to consult with an estate planning attorney to understand which option is best suited to your specific needs and circumstances.

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