The Legacy of a Life Well Lived

In the last several hours, our family has gathered to say goodbye to my Paw Paw.  We have shared stories about his kindness, generosity and hard work.  My youngest sister shared a beautiful summary of how he’s always been a builder—of homes, of relationships, of a working farm and of a solid foundation for all of us.  My middle sister shared her memories of special moments rocking on the front porch and provided comic relief in a way only she can.  She and Paw Paw shared this comedic streak—he loved to laugh, and she could always get a big belly laugh out of him. We shared the memory of every grandchild and great grandchild climbing in his lap to “listen to the tick-tick,” a pocket watch he carried in the pocket of his overalls. Almost all of us think in some way about his hands—large, strong, and calloused from hard work and how how they’ve comforted and corrected us through the years.

As I listened, everyone had their own perspective of how Paw Paw had impacted our lives. For me, he fed people.  He fed souls with a quiet word of encouragement, sage advice, or an unexpected call on Mother’s Day. He fed minds, challenging us to always make good grades in school, always try our best, consider other perspectives and be life long learners.  He taught us to have a strong work ethic, to never give up and to stand our ground when appropriate. He would tell us when he was proud and would gently but firmly correct us when we needed it.  And yes, he fed bellies—quietly, without making a fuss, so as to preserve the dignity of the ones in need.  He always grew enough to tomatoes, corn and cucumbers to feed an army and somehow, none of it ever went to waste.

He always told us to remember that “to whom much is given, much is expected” and that we were given plenty.

 He will always be the definition of a humble, servant leader.

What was common through all of the stories was the legacy he’s left behind.  My husband shared a quote from a Terry Prachett’s Discworld series that says, in part,

“no one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away....” If we take that as fact, my Paw Paw will never die.  He has touched the lives of so many, that if even a fraction of us follow his example, a piece of him will live forever.  

We know not the day nor the hour that he’ll take his last breath, but we know in our hearts his legacy will live far beyond that brief moment in time.  

I love you Paw Paw.