The pace of today's life keeps me so busy that perhaps for a fleeting moment I might give thought to what legacy will I leave behind. I'm too busy trying to maintain my life, let alone wonder about the hereafter. For the purpose of this article, I'm forcing myself to focus on that one question, "What will I leave behind?"

Well, to begin my list, I know I'll leave five now adult children and at least ten grandchildren. Perhaps my husband will survive me, as should my brothers and their children and grandchildren. My cousins and friends round out the closest people in my life.

In recalling thoughts regarding my father after his death, I remembered him best for the antics we had when I was growing up. "See you later alligator," he say to which I'd respond, "After while crocodile." Whenever he sneezed, it came out as "horse s_ _ _." Mom would get furious with him, but he never changed his way. Granted, these are not necessarily the kind of legacy I wish to leave behind, but it brings a smile and fond memories of my father.

Following my first husband's death, my happiest thoughts were of him walking into the house, looking for me with a gigantic smile on his face and a wink when I caught sight of him, and remembering him on our wedding day, when he was so happy that tears filled his eyes. Oh, of course, I recall his times of anger and frustration, but those are not my first recollections.

Now, back to my legacy. I would like to be remembered as one who loved to volunteer to brighten the days of others. So much in life pulls us down and zaps our energies. Conversely, there are many fewer positive boosts to our self-esteem. Whenever I turned around in life, someone was criticizing me instead of praising my attempts. To cheer others on, encouraging them to do things they didn't think they had it in them to do; to pray for those who are facing health and personal problems, and to assist in whatever manner I can to enable someone to smile and laugh are all things I would like as part of my legacy.

A bonus would be if my adult children and grandchildren followed in my footsteps, realizing the value of volunteering. It is so true what they say, that "volunteers get more than they give." The satisfaction of doing good is only part of it. A warm feeling of being useful, a cozy comfort of others liking me for who I am, and hearing even strangers say "thank you" are free benefits for giving of my time and energy.

Yes, my legacy will be simple. I won't be remembered by thousands or perhaps even hundreds of people. I won't leave riches or wealth for my beneficiaries to fight over. Perhaps the worst remembrance of me will be my daring to "step out of my box" and do the things I always wanted but was afraid. For instance, I met my second husband on the Internet, something totally unlike my normal mode of behavior. I recognized that I have a life after my children have grown up and can move away from them, again a foreign behavior for my upbringing. I hope to be watching from the great somewhere beyond after I pass away to witness what my family does with the legacy I leave with them.

Learn more about this author, Joyce George.
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