Do you ever think about what part of you will remain behind after you die? I'm not thinking morbidly here, as I see death as just a sidestep into the other dimension. As a writer, I know my words will be around for my progeny to discover. But I wonder what impression I leave on those I pass by in life.
I read the obits in the newspaper in the community where I lived in Missouri. I like the chance to say good-bye to those I got to enjoy some time with. On occasion I am drawn to names that look familiar, but aren't.
This morning, for example. I read about Michael Troutman, and although I didn't recognize the facts of his life or the names of family members, the words at the end of his obituary told me why I was there.
"In leiu of flowers, please honor Michael's memory by doing a good deed for someone."
What a legacy! It will grow way beyond those who Michael touched in his life. Good deeds multiply like that old shampoo commercial, "...and they told ten friends, and so on, and so on..." Eventually those little acts will work their way around the universe and come back to Michael's loved ones, who might not notice the brush of angel wings as they are hugged by the good deed.
In honor of a man I never met, but wish I had, I challenge you to do something good today. Michael will feel it, your soul will feel it, and it will brighten the universe one good deed at a time.
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Comments: 16
I thought about this many times. I see my legacy in three children with careers that contribute to our nation and to humanity (a teacher, an engineer and a professional manager). I see it in their three equally thoughtful and generous spouses and in my five (soon to be six) beautiful grandchildren, all of whom love their Papa and Grandma. There's my legacy, and I'm very proud of it.
ok, this is going to be a ramble - you've been warned!
i do think about what will remain after i die, as an only child, as a childless woman, as a liberal, environmentalist, vegetarian, writer, friend... i take pride in not having added more bodies to this already overpopulated planet. i also take pride in the work i do for abandoned and abused animals. i wish i could be proud of my profession, but i'm not (hopefully i can change that). maybe these will live on beyond me, but i guess as long as i helped and possibly influenced someone else to do good, that's what matters, right?
thank you, mr. troutman, for setting a fine example (and you, aileen, for sharing him with us).
i wish i had a group to highlight this in...but since i don't, i will tell friends about it.
Welcome back! This was a wonderful article, and I think Mr.Troutman would be proud you posted it for us. You can thank mona for leading me here. I try to do something nice for someone every day. Whether it is an old person at work, or merely doing a little something for one of the kids, Bill, or letting the guy behind me at the grocery store go ahead of me. Those little efforts make my day when they happen to me, so I try to pay it forward whenever I can.
I also struggle with what legacy I will leave behind. I'm turning 50 this year.
Like you, I hope that whatever writings (and artwork) I can pen will leave a good tale.
Thanks for sharing these with us, Aileen.
It's good to hear from You again. Did you know that you were missed?
today, we dropped off valentines from lillie's daisy troop to a nursing home. the coordinator said she'd give them to the residents that didn't have family. that makes me so sad. you know?>
thank you for sharing this important idea!
I'm glad you are here Aileen. Such messages make a difference.
As for me, this is my 40th year teaching....and somehow or another, I would like the kids to remember the "year they spent in kindergarten".
I agree about the good deeds - that is very special and of course touching. Thanks and hope you stay around for a while! Salud
Elizabeth, how cool that your mom appreciated obits. SO often I think people view them as the low rung on the publication ladder. I know that many of your students will remember you, as I have so many of my teachers.
Why spend so much money for a pompous " good bye" when we can good bye that soul in so many other ways. it is all about change as I have answered to your comment.
No need to go in old ways when there is so much simplicity in all there is.
Just now I noticed that both of us joined gather in 2006.