Legacy

Libraries make me sad…knowing there are so many books to read, so little time, and the fact that I will never read them all.

What mark do you want to leave when you are gone? A mark of change, love, and perseverance. Or a difference of indifference?

Stadiums full of people make me sad…knowing there are so many people I will never meet, and so many stories that will remain untold.

What stories do you want people to tell at your funeral? Tales of bravery, sacrifice, and patience? Or tales of confusion, revenge, and questioning of motives?

Restaurants make me sad…knowing that I will never taste and smell all the culinary creations that are produced, and I will never get to share that sweet and savory joy with the world.

What comparisons do you want people to make when they see your body of work? Stories seeping with selfishness and ambition? Or a competent and compassionate portfolio of hope, power, and confidence; a legacy that others can place on their backs and shoulders?

Airports make me sad…knowing that I will never visit all the places of wonder, beauty, and imagination in this world, and even if I travel for years and walk for miles, there is still so much more to be seen.

What feelings do you want to transfer to those you call your own? Reminders of failures, sins, and shortcomings? Or feelings of joy, laughter, and of self-sacrifice that went above and beyond the requirements of ordinary love and care?

Record stores make me sad…knowing that I will never hear every melody, chord, and story told in all the songs hidden in the stacks; as well as all the songs and hymns yet to be written.

What legacy do you want to leave when others say your name? A remembrance marked with titles, trophies, and prestige? Or memories of one who was enamored by books, laughed and loved with those he met, savored the seasonings of both fine and simple cuisine, never got over the wonders of the created and manmade world, and was engrossed with all the beautiful rhythms and melodies that graced his ears?

Life makes me sad…knowing that one person will never be able to experience it all. Yet that sadness is overshadowed by the joy of never ceasing to forget every second, every smile, and every breath.