I was asked to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of my wife Anna’s mother a few days ago. It was humbling, and it made me think of how fragile our lives are.

Marla was a vibrant and loving joy to those who knew her, and her passing was a complete shock to us all. What would I say? What should I say…or not say?

All I could think about was legacy. Her legacy, and what we can do to carry it forward. How we all can carry forward the legacies of those who came…and went before us.

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense to me. We are the legacies, but are we honoring them with respect, or are we letting them die with our loved ones?

I think about my own mother, who just passed last fall, and I remember her unwavering love for her family. She was an artist and was generous with her time and warmth and would hug anyone freely. Her name was Sandi, and if you were kind to each other, and kind to me, she would welcome you with a huge smile and open arms.

I had two great moms, and now they are both gone, but their legacy has been planted in fertile ground, and the best of them will be shared with the world through me.

Marla loved posting inspirational thoughts and posted this on the morning she passed:

Just like flowers in a garden, we are all here to play our part in making the world a beautiful place so bloom…spread your petals…and touch someone’s life today. Have a great day! Smiley face. God bless. Heart emoji

It was genuine, and warm, and sincere, and so much…her. The world will know Marla, and will know my mother, Sandi, because they grew in each of us, and we WILL spread our petals…we WILL touch someone’s life today and EVERY day, because of them.

Be your loved one’s legacy, too, and let’s see what this world can become again. Have a great day. Smiley Face. God Bless. ♡