I had the honor this past weekend to attend a memorial for a
man I’ve never met. It was for the grandad of a good friend of mine. He was,
amongst many other things, an artist. The memorial was held in an art gallery
showcasing many of his paintings, drawings and even some metal work he did in
his later years. Because I am a self-proclaimed wall-flower and don’t like
large crowds, I was allowed to disappear behind my camera and photograph the
event. What I saw through my lens was a family living to fulfill the legacy of
a great man.
I know very little about him, but I saw the joy and care he
took in his creations, I heard the words of people who knew him, and more than
just the words, the warmth in their voices as they remembered a father,
grandfather, teacher or friend.
A quote that many people remembered him for was “You don’t make mistakes, you make opportunities for adjustment.” What a philosophy to have! Believing to your very core that even if something goes sideways, that you do something wrong or make an error, you can look at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to adjust…your work, your outlook, your attitude or even your life.
As I watched the family throughout the weekend I saw each member fulfilling his heritage in their own way; music, art, education, work, discovery and an unquenchable passion for their own personal necessary fire.
What a legacy to leave! I look at my life, at what I’m doing with it, and I wonder what my legacy will be. Will I be known for my care and compassion? Will I be known for the job I did? For my smile, for my quick temper, for my easy-going personality, for my strength or my weakness? I have jokingly said in the past couple of weeks that I am going through a “young” mid-life crisis as I look for a new career. I am taking this opportunity to adjust my outlook, to gain a love of life and a joy in being. To create a “get-to” attitude rather than a “have-to” attitude. To become a better, stronger, more passionate and caring person.
I am a better person for having heard some of his philosophy, for having known his family and for getting a glimpse of his life well lived.
