The Power of Words: Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Words hold lasting power and influence.

I have old family photos, World War II pictures, and many stories shared over the years about my dad. Yet, the stories written down by others provide the most lasting memories of the short years I spent with him.

The month my dad died, his company printed a story in their monthly newsletter. The article described his daily struggle with cancer. It noted how he still worked a full day and served civic and charitable causes. When someone asked him why he kept so busy, he said, “Helping others keeps me alive.”

His life and legacy of service have become my story and my legacy—simply because they were written down.

I have forgotten most of the spoken words about my dad. But at least once a year, I look at that folded newsletter in my sock drawer. It reminds me of his life of service.

What will your kids and grandkids pull out of their sock drawer one day to read about your life when you are gone?

Write it down

Leave A Good Legacy

A Legacy of Pancakes

Playing, joking and doing stupid tricks are all part of leaving a legacy.

Do you have fun with your kids or grandkids? Regardless of who you are or where you are from, your kids will remember the crazy things you do together. Smiling, laughing and sometimes breaking things create stories that will be told at dinner tables for years.

My wife and I will have some of the grandkids over tonight. Their only request is to make pancakes and flip them over our shoulders to a plate 10 feet away. Last time it was pure craziest. They talked about it for weeks.

If we keep this up, this will be part our our legacy. – Moma and Papa know how to have fun.

It is your legacy. Have some fun!