I want to leave a legacy for those who will come after me,
that when the bell tolls and I am gone, it will not have silenced my earthly
song. They will have heard of the times that I wept and prayed that heaven’s
assistance might not be stayed, the times that I overcame the night, and was
able to make it ‘till morning’s light.
I want them to know that though life was hard, I kept on
going, my senses marred by the winds and the waves that tossed me about, my
heart within me trying to shout. When the skies were black and the storm clouds
grim, threatening the loss of life and limb.
Yet the gales ceased and there was great calm, a generous
dose of healing balm. A peace enveloped my mind and heart, giving me once again
a new start. I basked in the warmth of the sun on my face, gaining strength yet
for another race. I tethered my ship, and patched up the holes and even had the
courage to set a few goals.
I want them to see the path ever clear and know that I am
always near. That though they may stumble and though they may fall, there is
one waiting there who has given his all that they may rise and conquer again
because of the price that he paid back then.
I want them to hear the voice of gladness that speaks to the
soul, amidst all the madness, that guides our path and shelters our way and
helps us to sing at the end of the day. That our children may laugh, and dance
and play, and be held in our arms, come what may.
I want them to feel passion for those in need whose souls
are hungered, or bent, or do bleed, who look up to heaven and weep at the
thought that they haven’t been able to get what they sought; forever empty,
forever alone, forever in want of a hand in their own.
I want them to touch others with a love that is deep, and
lose their lives, that perhaps they might keep the treasure of happiness living
each day, keeping bitterness and hatred at bay. For life is short, our days
long spent, achieving the purpose for which we were sent.
I want to leave this world a better place because of my
sojourn in this rat-filled race. I want to be seen as one who cared, who took
the time that a life would be spared. Whom others will see and simply say, “We
knew heaven for a moment when she walked our way.”
