I Want To Be Remembered:
As someone who unabashedly and out loud expressed my feelingsĀ of joy, surprise, glee or sorrow.
I did so as a child.
Why not as an adult?
As a person who spoke her truth, without stooping to sarcasm or snarkiness.
I say what I mean and I mean what I say.
So people will know what I stand for and what I won’t tolerate.
As a Mom who loved my kids with the fierceness of a protective lioness,
the gentle nurturing of a doe,
the playfulness of a squirrel and the
wisdom of the mother bird who demonstrates to her children how to
safely and successfully leave the nest and build their own.
As a wife who loved, respected and appreciated my husband as a fellow human,
my life partner, the father and co-raiser of my children,
an excellent provider, protector and heart mate.
As a friend who listened first, observed second, shared third and judged rarely.
As a daughter who forgave my parents their mistakes and learned from them,
emulated their successes, and always loved and respected them.
As a neighbor who opened my home and heart to the families,
especially the children,
so we could be the village we all yearned for.
As a sister who told my siblings that I loved them, why I loved them
and how they made the world a better place for me and everyone else.
As an aunt who praised my nieces and nephews from the highest rooftops
for their accomplishments and consoled them
when they were in the depths of despair.
As a storyteller who loved and lived Story enough to show others
how they too could enter Story Land and be the hero in their own Story.
after I have taken that last, long walk to my journey’s end.Ā But is it the truth?
The whole truth?
And nothing but the truth?Ā Nope.
Do I always meet my own high standards?Ā Goodness no.
Have I been sarcastic or snarky today?Ā Um, twice so far.Ā It’s noon.
Do I apologize when I violate my own standards?Ā Yes, when I realize it.Ā Most times.
Are there still some lingering judgements about others swirling around in my head, begging to be spoken?Ā Yep. They’re pretty loud too.
Have I ever considered myself the victim instead of the hero in my own Story? Yessss.
Have I now negated my original list of how I want to be remembered?Ā I don’t think so. It is still my goal and desire. One I pray I will be able to say someday is the truth.