THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL:

I never once inquire about the state of that very important filing briefcase. I never ask if we can go through it again after the first time she shows it to me and brags about all the folders and how perfectly organized it is. It sits under the desk in the kitchen, in plain sight, collecting dust and cat hair for what turns out to be years. To keep abreast of changes in her financial and personal circumstances would have been wise, but frankly, no matter how strong our friendship, I feel uncomfortable unless Emily brings it up, and she rarely does after the stock market issues. (Atkinson, 2012)

This chapter provides the chronology of events leading up to Emily’s health, personal, and financial crises. It paints a picture of the second Emily, this widowed Emily the author comes to know. It describes how the writer gets involved, first as an Enduring Power of Attorney and then in accepting the role of Executrix for the future. It serves to illustrate some classic pitfalls and mistakes made when agreeing to act in these particular capacities and shows, by example, some important areas to address.