Legacy

 The Oxford dictionary defines "Legacy" as the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.

Last evening the Hottie and I were privileged to attend a Celebration of the life of one of my high school classmates.  I went, not because he and I had remained in close contact after high school but the inception of social media years ago allowed so many of us who had grown up together to connect and share life - if only virtually. 

What I heard from his family and closest friends is what I had known about this gentleman since we were adolescents:  that he was kind, compassionate, ambitious, gritty, determined, hard working and would, literally give someone the shirt off his back.  He had, indeed, left a legacy, mostly of love.  For God.  For his wife who had been his faithful companion since the age of 19.  For his two beautiful children and their friends.  For their spouses and his grandchildren.  For all of his friends - many of whom he had done life with since meeting as kids.   We learned about his silly side, his serious side and how, when he was diagnosed with the disease that would all-too-soon end his loving life, he shook the hand of the doctor who gave him the news and thanked the doctor for the hard job he had to do. Wow.  Just, simply "Wow!"   Who does that?

Let me tell you Beloved - those who live in love and desire to love others well say "Thank you" to the doctor who has just delivered the news on YOUR worst day.  THAT is what legacy truly is.  Loving well in spite of the hard we are experiencing.  Loving well even if the person in front of us isn't loving at all.  Loving well in the midst of "now what do we do?"  

On this Mother's day, I am reminded that there are those in my life who I may not have loved well.  I've got work to do.  If, indeed, I desire to love well (and you know I do), then that love needs to extend not just to those who are "easy" to love but to those who need love, i.e., everyone who has breath. 

One day, when I'm not here - if you still are - gather together on a stunning Spring evening with great food, great cake and balloons (because you KNOW if there is good cake and balloons, it's a party) my favorite tunes and share love.  How I loved.  How you have loved.  Share laughter - BIG laughter.  Share stories and memories but - most of all - be reminded.  There is a day we're born.  There is a day we go home.  And there are the many, many days in between.  What we do with those?  That's legacy.  Let's leave a loving one shall we.  

WGL, A2

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