To Be Remembered As....

With the recent passing of Mr. John A. Jarvis, the Headmaster Emeritus of Lancaster Country Day School, I've been reliving some of the memories I have of my days at LCDS. Mr. Jarvis was truly one of those people that you never, ever forgot.
He touched so many lives but it was his attention to the single, solitary student of the moment that everyone remembers most.
Marian Louise Baker touched lives in exactly the same way. Her smile is still remembered. Her laugh and concern for others has never been diminished nor forgotten over the years.
These are two people who are remembered with smiles, admiration, love and respect.
It makes me go back to thoughts I often have.
We all have a choice as to how we will be remembered when we shuffle off of this mortal coil.
That's a weighty responsibility on our own shoulders if you consider it.
Neither John Jarvis or Marian Baker had set down a real plan for how they would be recalled by those left behind. They were just being who they were, doing what they do. And what blessings they were to those who knew them, loved them and those who were lucky enough to have ever met them.
When you move on, what will people remember most about you?
Was it your smile, your kindness and compassion for others?
Was it your willingness to help those who needed a hand up or an ear or a shoulder?
Will you be remembered as someone who could be counted on to tell the truth and be respectable and admirable?
In all reality, the memories and impressions we leave this earth are the essence of our purpose here.
We leave our footprints behind.
Marian Baker's footprints are still clear. Her character still stands, no matter the smoke and mirrors that were played for profit.
John Jarvis' footprints will remain clear for generations.
I aspire to be like Marian Baker and John Jarvis.
It's not about money or prestige. It is all about treating other human beings with singular respect and kindness.
And making sure that anyone you interact with knows that they are significant and they matter.
That's the good stuff :)