Love, laughter, Loss, Legacy

 

A couple of days ago I was about to start composing this week’s post when I noticed that I had just missed a call from my dad.

Dad typically doesn’t call me.  And when he does call, it is rarely in the morning.  So, I called him back. He told me that my favorite aunt had passed away during the night.  It was not unexpected, but still sooner than we thought.

I probably shouldn’t say she was my “favorite.” I have a lot of aunts and every one is special.  But Aunt Nell is a different kind of special.  I have more childhood memories of her than any of the others and I spent more time with her (sometimes just the two of us) than with any of the others.

Her hand painted plates, cups, pitchers, and Christmas ornaments adorn my home and my office.  My children got those same kinds of Aunt Nell gifts every year at Christmas until the last couple of years, when she could no longer do her painting.  She even had a Christmas gift for my son-in-law when he was just my daughter’s boyfriend.  She couldn’t remember his name, so the tag said, “the other boy.” I could go on and on with Aunt Nell memories.

In the past few years, she was my pen pal.  She wrote me frequently, and deciphering her arthritic hand-writing was part of the fun.  Even before the days of electronic communication, I’ve never been much of a letter writer.  But I always wrote her back.

I wish I could have talked to her one more time and told her how much I love her.  I wish I could have written one more letter and sung her one more song.  But wishing those things does not mean that I have any regrets, because I don’t.

I have 54 years of life, love, and laughter with Aunt Nell.  She was present for many of the best moments of my life and we really, really enjoyed each other. She knew how much I loved her, just as I have always known how much she loved me.  One more call or letter would have been nice, but it wouldn’t have changed anything.

As I think more frequently about my life’s legacy, one of my highest values is living without regret and helping others to do the same.  One of the best ways to do that is to make the most of today’s opportunities.  Will I hold my tongue when I feel like saying hurtful words?  Will I take the time to be completely present in each conversation, even if I only have a couple of minutes?  Will I pray for sensitivity to the needs of others and not just for myself?

“So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don’t be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.” (Ephesians 5:16)

The best time to live your legacy is today.  Your life matters.

 

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About

Just an ordinary guy living an amazing life. Amazed by God and joining Him in His amazing activity in the world. Seeking the flourishing of fellow travelers. Author, Blogger, Speaker, Singer, CoachSultant, Husband, Dad, Grandpa.