"Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you." ~ Shannon L. Alder

"Leave a legacy every hour every day in some way with something or someone." ~ Robert J. Braathe

"Outlive your life!" ~ Max Lucado

"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." ~ Albert Pine

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DEATH MARKS THE END OF YOUR PHYSICAL BREATHING LIFE, but it cannot end your legacy - good or bad.

In my morning reading, I read the following devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley:

"The power to impact others is not so much in what we do, but in who we are. Throughout my life, many people have helped to shape my character, thoughts, and behavior ... [thus] I want to make a positive impact on others, whether through a one-time encounter or a long-term relationship."

There have been many men whose words and actions have influenced and shaped my life; and of those, death has plucked them from my life. However, not even death could eliminate each man's permanent handprint on my heart, formed by their words and actions. Matter of fact, death has actually magnified their influence in my own "character, thoughts, and behavior".

With this self-evidence, I've come to the conclusion that in spite of my own mortality by the ever-present possibility of cancer reoccurring, I will focus ... instead ... my attention to how my actions and words affects others, thus hopefully leaving behind a "legacy...etched into the minds of others and the stories they [will] share about [me].”

It is also apparent that those who decide, either be it by their own mental weakness or by a self-martyrdom disposition, to focus on death itself by attempting to assuage the uncomfortable and unavoidable 'end of life' occurrence, only irritates me. These such individuals should turn around and walk away.

My only desire is to create memories with no regrets; to influence and shape other's "character, thoughts, and behavior," through my words and actions.

That would be a good last breath, indeed!

ajh