Death is something that a lot of us try not to think about. As I lay awake last night, my mind turned to my inevitable demise. My mind races in the middle of the night, and I become a hypochondriac. I get on WebMD and search for a self-diagnosis to link the unconfirmed symptoms. Last night I thought about how I wanted people, specifically my family, to remember me. Beyond the chiseled inscription in the slab of granite placed six feet above my head or if I choose cremation, how do I want to be remembered?
Actor, singer, and legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra spoke openly about his legacy. He stated, “I want to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family – and I don’t think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.” When it comes to legacies, Sinatra could have wanted a lot; but being a happy man who had good friends and family is all the memory that he wanted. It seems like a no-brainer, but the world moves fast. We work so hard to keep food on our tables that we don’t sit down and enjoy the meals that are served there. We get so caught up in the stress of our lives, that the love and kindness that is in our hearts don’t always have a chance to shine.
I thought about it for a while and realized I don’t care if I finish my novel. I don’t care if I become the teacher of the year. I don’t care if I am remembered with any other accolade or accomplishment. I just want to be remembered as a loving and kind husband and father. Not just a Christian man but a good man who created wonderful moments full of love and kindness. The fond memories of your family are the greatest legacy of all. It was true for Sinatra and is true for the rest of us.
What do you want your legacy to be?
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