Recently I was asked a simple question, simple to me anyway. Then after a few moments the answer came with frankly some ease.

Here is what happened. While at a Toastmaster’s meeting several weeks ago I was asked to reveal in less than two and one half minutes what may seem so simple. To make this easy, I will ask you that same question.

Your life is now over and a memorial is to be constructed in your memory and honor. This would be a magnificent structure where others could come and stroll at leisure, all your memories, achievements, failures, loves, not loved and more was on display. There was to be one item, one important part of you, your soul. The one thing you would want others to know about you? What would that be?

When asked this question, the thought seemed daunting. I think of myself as an ordinary man, imperfect and flawed. Overall lucky in life yet nothing outstanding. After a few moments of thought “felt like minutes” I finally answered.

What felt right and frankly what matters the most to me is all I really want noted. I began to describe how I would want a very tall wall that is also wide enough to display the names of every person who has touched my life. When looking over the years and all those who have cared for me, who have inspired me, who have disappointed me, who I have hurt, those I have loved, this list would go on and on. I would want a letter of gratefulness written to all and so many others who may not even be listed on that wall.

The most important part of my life has been all those lives, all those souls that have shaped my life by just being present in it.

I believe the only thing we ever keep is what we leave behind. The spirit of our heart and how we we hold it open to those we know and those we do not.

I would like to leave this world letting others know that everyday I have lived, I have tried to become a better version of the man I wanted to be. To somehow leave that thought and belief in others that striving everyday to become closer to the person they want to be is what really matters.

Now the question is, what would be your answer?

I’m still writing, you’re still following…Craig

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