During World War II, the government kept all kinds of secrets. But the biggest of all was the development of nuclear weapons. We couldn’t risk the Nazis getting their hands on such a weapon, but we were equally afraid of what could happen if the Russians developed this technology before we did.
The moment the first bomb was tested — the world changed. (As last summer’s blockbuster Oppenheimer so hauntingly reminded us.) The secret was out, and the race was on to see which country would dominate the nuclear era.
By the 1960s, the United States and other nuclear powers had agreed to limit the testing of nuclear devices in order to limit the risk of fallout (and mutually assured destruction), but there was a bit of a loophole. Underground testing was still allowed. And the government wanted to 1. Do some of these tests. And 2. See if it could figure out if other countries were doing these tests. And that’s where Mississippi comes in.
In the late 60s, about two hours south of Brandon in Lamar County, the United States government set off several underground nuclear explosions. But this time they weren’t a secret. People living in the area were alerted ahead of time, asked to evacuate certain areas, and even compensated for their cooperation.
The difference between the original nuclear tests and the underground tests done in Mississippi is stark.
The Big Bang Theory of Estate Planning
The Palmer & Slay team often sees a similar contrast in the estate planning context. When a loved one dies, those who are left behind are now living in a totally different world. The one their family member or friend existed in is gone, but the impact their life had on this world remains.
How and where that impact is felt depends on the deceased individual’s estate plan. Leaving no plans or failing to tell loved ones about plans slows and extends the grieving process. It burdens loved ones with tasks and questions they are unprepared for.
Sharing information about your estate plan — like basic details about what it includes and where you store important documents your estate administrator will need to access to carry out your wishes — can relieve some of the distress your death will cause.
Your loss will be felt no matter which path you take, but the impact it has on your loved ones can be dramatically different if you choose to share your end of life plans with them.
Preserving Your Wealth. Protecting Your Loved Ones.
Nothing you do can truly prepare your loved ones to live in a world without you in it. But sharing information about your estate plan with your loved ones can make the grieving process easier.
Palmer & Slay’s experienced team of estate planning attorneys is ready to help you craft a will, trust, and power of attorney documents that meet your needs. And we can also help you figure out how to communicate your end of life wishes with your family members. Please contact us today to schedule a meeting.
Palmer & Slay, PLLC, assists clients within Mississippi, including Scott County, Rankin County, Brandon, Flowood, East Jackson, and beyond.