I have entered that phase in my life where I have started to reflect upon the legacy I want to leave behind. When I reach the end of my life, I want to be able to say, “I am gald I did” and not “I wish I had”. My intention in writing about the end of life is not to be morbid, but to be real and understand that someday each of our lives will end.
The passing of my grandfather at the prime old age of 95 has inspired my thoughts and reflection. My grandfather lived a long healthy life coming full circle and passing on his exact birthday, March 31, 2011. Although it was sad to say good-bye, he left my family and I with many great memories, pictures, and memorabilia each allowing us to keep him close to our hearts.
As my grandpa and I spent his last days together, I could not help but wonder how he was feeling about the life he had lived. I wondered if he realized the memories he had left with our family or the significant moments we all shared and loved. As I sat by his bedside, I also began to wonder what my last days would look like. Who would be there surrounding me with love, support, safety, and confidence that it was ok to move on to the next phase of life. The end of our life is not typically something we want to think about, but something we need to consider because it is at that moment that nothing else really matters and the legacy of our life comes alive.
Sitting with my grandpa reflecting upon life made me realize that I need to engage in life in a meaningful way living each moment to the fullest. I not only want to live a long healthy life I want to live life as someone who cares, someone who has made an impact upon the lives of others. Because at the end of life it is not about wealth, material possessions, or accomplishments it is about the way people remember you and the difference you made in their lives.
Close your eyes for a few minutes and image it is your 95th birthday. Your family, friends, children, and grandchildren are there with you, what are they saying about you? What are you feeling about the life you have lived? Are you able to say, “I am glad I did” or “I wish I had”. Remember this, you will never have more time than you do right now. Life is short, death is long.
Don’t be afraid to think about the end of life, it is inevitable and out of our control. Wake up each day and make life meaningful. Live it, breathe it, taste it, smell, it feel it! Don’t just live the length of life, live the width of it as well (D.Ackerman).
