Thinking about a Legacy is something I would imagine most of us do fleetingly, unless prompted! But circumstances often dictate a different path. My current lifes events have put it front and center!
I look on the Legacy I will leave....in several ways. From the aspect of What I Have Taught My Child and How I Am Remembered By Those I Have Touched Along The Way.
I will develop my Legacy from Those Who Have Touched Me:
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My Mother:My Mother was truly a Gentle Caring Woman.
She died some time ago but is still remembered by all who had the privilege of meeting her. My Mother always remembered what was happening in others lives and was there to listen, and support. She genuinely cared. She offered of herself.
My Cousin Ann:
My cousin Ann was a true Courageous Soul. We lost her this year to Cancer! Ann lost her husband when her children were at their most vulnerable time...in their teens. Ann nurtured and supported those children so well they are now successful, involved and productive young adults. She approached her Cancer in the same way she raised her family with courage, humor and determination.
My Friend Lucy: My friend Lucy is Gracious. She is a true Southern Lady and an involved friend. Lucy is a believer in "old-fashioned" manners, a writer of Thank You notes a Champion a of Teens. Lucy married into a ready made family and has no children of her own. She has embraced the children and grandchildren of her husband's family and always finds something positive about them. Lucy has the ability to make each and every person she meets, feel "special".She has taken on the role of Grandmother to my son...who has none... and loves and worries about him as if he were. Lucy is dying. Her time I fear is short. We spent some time with her this week and she was asking questions of my son about his schooling, my husband about his job and she was complaining because she didn't think her husband was getting the support HE needed from those close to him. She is facing what's ahead with dignity.
My Husband Geoff:
My husband Geoff is forever Optimistic. He has gone through heart bypass, 2 angioplasties (about to have another), back surgery and Cancer surgery. He has also experienced serious employment challenges in this his 63rd year. Yet is still is coming up with plans and house design changes, woodworking projects and business ideas he wants to implement IMMEDIATELY. He is forever looking ahead to the positive, and even thought it can be irritating to me (at times). He does keep me looking ahead!
Myself: In my eyes my most admirable trait is that of a Love of Learning. I truly love the stimulation of learning new skills and world happenings. I am constantly seeking classes to fit my schedule and reading is a passion. Active Rain has been a wealth of new knowledge, both technical and business.This space in the Blogasphere is swirling with newfound friendships with great promise. It is an exciting medium challenging me to implement my new found knowledge! Encouraging me to be the best that I can be...contributing to my Legacy.
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My Son will always remember me.
I have taught him Acceptance of Differences, Truth to Oneself, Loyalty, Honesty and Perseverance. That is His Legacy.
The others in my life: I hope remember me for ....Caring, Courage, Graciousness, Optimism and a Love of Learning.
Legacies gifted to me...Legacies to be passed on!
Nice! We often forget that it is the impact we can make on the lives of others that has more importance than anything else.
my 5 year old granddaughter, Lily, asked me one day when I had come home from teaching a GRI Class what was I teaching. I said "Technology". She then asked if I was teaching "kindness"?
I was part of the www.WebWomenGivingCircle.com this year and we created a blog to honor women who have made an impact. One of the ways we have been raising money is asking for a small donation to enter a woman who has inspired you. Take a look: www.Inspiringwoman.com