Mom (and John),

I thought it might be helpful for me to clarify some of my thoughts about
the life insurance policy at Lincoln National:
1) Mom, I think you are being really hard on yourself. You made some
decisions in years past: 1989 - and in retrospect you wish you had done
things differently; who can't say that?
2) Mom, you are experiencing some very strong “negative” emotions. I know
your aim is to approach life from a place of Love, support, encouragement,
good will, cooperation. Right now, it seems, you are trying to swing the
pendulum of your feelings back to the light
3) We like for business dealings, everything really, to go our way.
Sometimes the other guy wins. In this case Lincoln National made a good
bet on you and they are going to win. You have already paid in $420,000
and you / we are likely to pay more.
4) We differ on this point: you would cash the policy out for whatever
cash value remains. I would not do that but rather keep the policy active
so we can get back the majority of what you have paid in, we get $420,000.
As I see it, we've come this far. Lincoln National already has the
$420,000 from the premiums already paid. Let's at least get as much back
as we can, $420,000.
5) This is only money. Yes it's a lot of money. But in the end, it's only
money.
6) Nothing has to be done RIGHT NOW. There's a history here of 1989 on,
what's another month or two?  Keep thinking about it. It's just money and
business. How do we get more love and light out of this situation?
7) Thanks for analysis and estate planning. I appreciate that y'all are
looking at your estate. You know what you have and have the best
understanding of where the wrinkles are. Thanks for ironing out as many as
possible.
8) I think it's a great idea to ask Ann, in as casual a way as possible,
for the most recent statement. Then you have the most recent information
to continue your analysis.

Love you both. Thanks for sharing. Soon.... Edward

Subject: Thoughts about policy at Liberty

Email from Edward to Mom and John on December 5, 2016        
(obviously the subject should have been “Lincoln” not “Liberty”