t’s so surreal how your whole life can change literally in the blink of an eye,” says pet stylist Adrian Smith, aka “The Color King,” who appeared on the ABC grooming competition show Pooch Perfect in 2021.
“On December 30th, 2022 I was involved in devastating car accident,” Adrian shares. “I remember I was driving on the interstate after having dinner, then I woke up in the hospital. My jeep was struck from behind in a hit-and-run collision. My Jeep hit the guard rail and flipped over several times. The roof flew off as it rolled and I was ejected from the vehicle.
“I spent 28 days in the hospital and more than two months on bed rest. I had to undergo several surgeries including facial reconstruction, hip surgery, tail bone surgery, pelvis surgery, and wrist surgery. My lungs collapsed and I had to be placed in the intensive care unit on a breathing machine/life support,” he continues. “Mentally, I was going through PTSD, loneliness, and depression, but I stayed encouraged because I know God has a plan for my life and he kept me here for a reason. Now I am at home, doing well, and expected to make a 100% recovery.”
No matter how young and healthy you are, like Adrian, you could have your entire life change in an instant. Are you prepared in case something unexpected happens to you?
We all lead busy lives. With work, family, friends and other obligations, it’s easy to put some things on the back burner—especially if you think you won’t need them in the near future. However, there are some crucially important things that you can and should do now to protect yourself and your business.
“I now have my business operations plan in order and have written everything down so that if I am not there, my staff just has to look at the document I created and see what needs to be done,” he continues. “It’s so much better to have a plan in place before you need it. You don’t want to be in a hospital bed and have to think about payroll or ordering shampoo and supplies, etc.”
So, what are some other things you should do to be prepared?
If you have pets at home, make sure at least one of your contacts has a key to your residence.
When it comes to legal documents, one of the most essential is a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney, or POA, is a document that grants someone else the power to make decisions on your behalf. The Durable (financial) POA grants a person you choose to be your agent. He/she will have the ability to access your accounts and make financial, business and legal decisions in your stead. To help make it easier for your POA, make a list of your banking, utility, and credit card account numbers and their online login and password information, and tell your POA where to find it.
A Medical POA covers your health care and is often paired with a Living Will. The Living Will allows you to put in writing exactly what your health care wishes are in the event you cannot speak for yourself. Together these documents will enable your POA to make health care decisions that align with what you want.
What happens if you don’t have a POA and can’t make your own decisions? The rules are different in every state, but generally the court steps in and appoints a conservator or guardian. Unfortunately, you will have no say in who the court will appoint.
“I wish I had set up disability coverage for myself,” Adrian says. “I’ve been out of work for more than three months and have no money coming in to keep me afloat. It’s hard.”
Sadly, you also need to plan ahead and prepare for the final chapter of your life. To do this, you need a Last Will and Testament. It contains your final wishes and designates to whom you want to leave items of your personal property. It also appoints someone of your choosing to be the executor of your estate and to distribute the items to your heirs.
All of your bank accounts should have direct beneficiaries on them. Your property deeds, vehicle titles and life insurance policies should be kept in a safe location. Most importantly, talk with your POA, Executor and those closest to you. Let them know where your important papers are and make your wishes known to them. It will make things easier for them if everyone is on the same page and they know in advance what you want them to do.
Getting your affairs in order may not be an appealing thought to you, but doing these things will give you the peace of mind that you have done everything in your power to prepare for the unexpected.
“You need to make sure everything is in place,” advises Adrian. “Have backup plans for your animals, your finances, the business itself, and your staff. You can’t predict your future, but you can prepare for it.
“The hit-and-run accident has drastically changed my life, but I can’t wait to get back to my life, my amazing clients, and doing what I love to do,” Adrian adds. “More than ever, I realize that life is so precious. You have to go after your dreams! Don’t let anything hold you back—and be a blessing to others!”