LEGACY

“For whom do you shine like the sun every day?”

During breaks from my road trip across America, I’d often seek new experiences in my hometown.

At the Procession of Little Angels in Tucson, Arizona, children and families honor the people in their lives who have passed. One girl, Lesley, tells me she made a complete altar for her grandfather – “Tata” as she calls him – which contains some of his favorite things.

I ask why she has painted her face as a butterfly.

“Butterflies were Tata’s favorite animal, and they’re my favorite animal. I chose these colors because they were Tata’s favorite colors.”

I study her grandfather’s altar. I think, Can you imagine being someone’s “sun that always shines”?

At an adjacent display, a mother sits beside an altar for her child.

When we meet, I tell her, “I can’t even imagine what it’s like to lose a child.” She reaches over and gently touches my arm. “Don’t,” she says.

Maria, the mother, tells me she asks herself what she has learned from this.

“A lot of it is about the goodness of people. When Adelita died, two people started accounts at Wells Fargo for her burial costs. So much money was raised, I was able to take two months off work afterwards and not worry about my mortgage and bills being paid.

“I wish I knew who all the people were that donated so I could thank them personally.

“Now, whenever I see those boxes in the bank, I always put money in because I know that people did that for my child.”

Maria also understands this has provided an opportunity to be an example for others.

“It would not be honoring Adelita’s memory if I were to say that was when I fell apart,” she says. “That was when I turned to drugs. That was when I turned to alcohol. That would not be fair to her memory. I have to stay strong for others – my son, my mom, my friends.

“When they’re having a tough day or lose their job or have problems with money, my friends know I’ve been to hell and back. I don’t use this card often, but I say, ‘It could be worse. You could get that phone call [saying your child has died].’ ”

 

“Adelita helps me help other people,” Maria adds.

***

At this memorial procession, having heard the stories of Lesley and Tata, Maria and Adelita, I cannot help but wonder how I may live so that my legacy serves; what of my life might inspire others? For whom do I shine like the sun every day?

 

 Questions for Reflection:

 What if we just paused and considered these questions, taking even 3 minutes to see what immediately comes to mind:

1. Legacy. How may I live so that my legacy serves?
2. Life. What of my life might inspire others?
3. Light. For whom could I “shine like the sun” every day?

***

Jillian Robinson Weaver is an Emmy-winning TV Producer, Author/Photographer, and Coach, whose passion is to help people live their Highest Self. Come join her Instagram “Coffee Conversations” to begin! https://www.instagram.com/jillianrobinsonweaver/