Getting a Will During a Crisis in Oregon City

One of the most important parts of our job is being available to help people during a crisis.

Over the past few years, we have been there for families during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and at times it feels like you know them and grieve with them, even if the relationship is only fleeting.

Earlier this year, we received a call from a son whose mother was just put on hospice at home. She had lived her whole life in Oregon City and had been in the same house for 20+ years. She wanted to be home with her kids and dog when she passed away. The adult kids agreed to stay with her and care for her while she had daily kidney dialysis in the living room. No longer able to take the stairs, she would sleep and have meals in her recliner. Her son's loved and cherished her whip-smart humor and charmingly honest perspective, as did I. Her jokes about mortality and the future were both bleak and funny. Although I only spent an hour with her signing documents, I got to hear how proud she was of her kids, the history of her 100-year-old home, and pet her sweet, fluffy pup. I was able to finish signing documents without wearing her out, and as I left, she said I gave her a sense of security for her sons.

As I write this, I feel compelled to talk about the people I visited in the ICU of a Tualatin hospital. We answered a call from a man whose mother was going to be going to hospice 20+ miles away in a few days. We agreed to drive to the hospice on the weekend to sign the will. But the next day, her health took a turn, and she was moved back to the hospital ICU. At dinner with our children, we received the call, and I grabbed my notary book and stamp. Chad handed me the documents, and I rushed to the ICU. This was the first time I had to sign documents knowing we may only have hours before someone would pass on. I arrived before her kids, and had a chance to introduce myself to her and two other relatives. When the first son arrived, we called the second, and I went over the documents with everyone. I already had the book filled out, so while their mom laid on her back and chatted with me, I held the papers for her to sign. 

Her kids told me how much they loved each other, and the way they all got along and remained close as adults. Their mom was so sweet and kind. I told her how delightful she was and that I loved meeting her. She told me she wished she could get to know me better. With tears in my eyes, I wished her well and said goodbye. 

Every time I visit families in these moments, I feel grateful for being able to get to meet these beautiful and caring souls, for having a job that lets me help people in crisis with a will or trust, and for my own family. It's not the right job for everyone, but for me it is a reminder of the brief and wondrous nature of life and the importance of love.

Vanessa Fuss - Notary/ Business Manager