This Unruhly Mess

This week I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the funerals of two people I greatly admired. When the priests spoke of their lives and their respective legacies left behind, they echoed similarities: 1) lives lived in the service to others, 2) family-focused, and 3) faith-centered. It really got me thinking about my own legacy and what impression I will leave upon this world. I thought of moments in my life that have gone well and moments that could have gone better. If you are reading this and at some point, in time, my indiscretions upset you or hurt your feelings, know that I am sorry. And if at some point, your indiscretions upset me or hurt my feelings, I forgive you.

I’ve come to recognize the principles and values that are most important to me. Moving forward I will do my best to embrace (and learn from) failure, connect with others with all my attention, and to neutralize negativity. I hope to show integrity, kindness, compassion, and honesty in everything I do, personally or professionally. I will also work hard to show patience to others and be bold in opportunities involving my career or personal relationships. I want to be remembered as a good daughter, wife, mother, and friend. As someone who you can turn to in your time of need, as a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold. A hostess of events. In service to others. Tacos and margaritas on the patio, anyone?

My faith has sustained me throughout my life. I haven’t always listened and at times I’ve strayed away but it’s my life’s compass. It has helped me to understand what really matters (family and faith) and how at times I needed to straighten my course. My parents and grandparents are wonderful examples of living their lives in faith. They were or are well versed in acts of generosity and kindness. Even when they were not treated well or acknowledged for their efforts, they continued as they had been taught. I attempt everyday to live my life in the service of others. On the days that I fail, I try again the next day. I think back to times where I thought I was doing the right thing or being helpful and I was only making things worse. Sorry, if you were a recipient. I chuck it up to being young and inexperienced. And I occasionally I get the opportunity to share my story with others in the hope that they won’t make the same mistakes I have made. Hello, young single mothers!

I hope to instill in my children and someday my grandchildren to live their lives in the service of others, to stay family-focused and to be faith-centered. I want them to live the “Golden Rule,” to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I want others to remember me as the party planner, the cooker of yummy food, and the teacher who sits on the floor with her school babies and isn’t afraid to get messy. I want Greg and my family to remember me for my smile, my unconditional love for them and my fear of snakes. Most of all I want people to remember me for my faith and resilience.

I am not sharing this for personal recognition but rather as my legacy statement. A record of what I hope to pass on, my hopes and my dreams.

Question: Have you ever thought about what your legacy might be?