Enjoying the moment

I've been thinking about life and legacies recently. My grandmother just turned 80 and we had a big Birthday party for her. In the days prior to the party, I thought deeply about what she meant to me over the years. In Florida on vacation, I read a book, "Have a little Faith" by Mitch Albom. Loved it! It's about a rabbi who is nearing the end of his life and, he asks the author to deliver his eulogy.

Both of these made me think about what I will pass onto my children. What is my legacy to them? These two remarkable people, the rabbi and my grandmother, passed on tradition and stability. He is a rabbi who believed deeply in his culture and faith. He was very methodical in his life. He lived in only 3 houses, didn't wear fancy clothes or drive luxury vehicles. Neither did my Grandmother. She raised children. Cooked and cleaned each and everyday of her life including now. They LIVED life, it didn't pass them by.

My life is so crazy at times, I feel like it is passing me by. I'm always trying to get this done so I can move onto the next thing never even realizing I have completed the first. We've lived in 5 houses already! We are inundated we places to go, things to buy, what others are doing that we aren't. Previous generations weren't. We have too many choices to make ALL the time. It's driving me crazier than I was!

I feel in looking back at previous generations there has to be a lesson to learn. This time, I've learned I want my children to feel me in their everyday lives. That my everyday life can be that, just everyday. My legacy will be passed on in what I do everyday.

Maybe they will think of me when they are making banana, chocolate chip pancakes on Saturday or dragging their children to church on Sunday. As they are picking up their children's clothes off the floor, maybe they will hear my voice in their memory asking them to do the same. We are a long way off from these scenarios, but I want to remind myself that what I do now with my family will be my legacy one day.

I am making it now, we all are. So, take a deep breath, don't schedule your life away. Join me in enjoying the moment.