The Legacy We Leave
With the holiday weekend drawing near, our minds meander toward food, fun, family and friends. Barbeques abound and pool parties are planned. With the sentiments of summer unveiling, it’s often easy to lose sight of the true meaning of this most heralded holiday. While we honor those who fought and died for our freedom, it’s also a day of remembrance for those nearest and dearest that we have loved and lost. Which brings me to the final “finish line,” the epic epilogue, the not-so-fun-damentals of … a funeral.
I must admit, I don’t fare well with farewells. I am notorious for my adamant adoration for my family and friends. I’m a lover, not a fighter for sure, but ask those close to me how fast I’ll fly into “mama bear mode” when my posse is imperiled. So you can imagine my struggle in grasping grief and loss.
It used to be that funerals were that ominous occurrence we all would dread. Yes, losing a loved one still is one of life’s hardest heartbreaks. But what was once a dark and dreary proceeding is now a liturgy of laughter, looking over a lifetime legacy of magical moments and memories. Silly stories supersede the solemnness. Poignant pictures are posted throughout and revelry replaces the consummate sadness, generating genuine hope and healing. Maybe that is why they call it a “wake.” We are no longer putting someone to rest, rather, bringing to light the legacy they left behind.
Have you ever wondered how YOU will be remembered when you’re gone? What is the gravity of your gifts? I have this hope that my family and friends alike will relish the remembrances of endless adventures to picturesque parks, my Santa obsession and diligent delight in decorating for the holidays. They’ll roll their eyes but muster a smile recalling my sappy nature, hapless humor, and incessant singing. But most of all, may they never forget the everlasting, unconditional love I held for each and every one of them.
I pray my final act features a footprint of faith, family and fun. But in the meantime, I want to dig in and figure out the footprint of my final act – with less focus on the least of importance, and more on those I love the most. So what, say you, is YOUR swan song? It’s said that “Life is short. It’s up to you to make it sweet.” Happy Memorial Day to all!
Branna (McCarty) Shores believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud graduate of NHS and Purdue University, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at [email protected]