To Live Life And Leave A Legacy
Life is a tapestry of happenings and being aware how events inter link adds perspective to what we experience.
When tragedy strikes it hits us in the gut, in the heart and mind.
I have been processing the tragic death of Roy and Heather Bennett, who were killed in a helicopter crash in New Mexico, far from everything they cherished.
It is a consolation that they have left a fine example of how to live life and leave a legacy.
When Life Throws A Curved Ball
The sequence of events is another tapestry woven in my life experiences.
I sat at my desk to process the tragic news, my gratitude note book was open in front of me and I wrote:-
Happy memories flooded my mind and I started to giggle - playing cricket under a Baobab tree using cream of tar tars as balls. (It is the fruit of the Baobab tree). I had wonderful memories to lift the sadness.
We are given a book a month to read. I am truly grateful to Coach Bo for the book for February, it is more a booklet, a quick read and intensely thought-provoking -
Go To The Grave On Empty by Josh Bowen.
Somehow the book was a consolation. I read it and a day later we attended Roy and Heather's memorial service.
The speeches were long, honouring this couple who led a spectacularly interesting life. The person who led the memorial service made a statement that impacted me:-
He said that Roy and Heather's life story needs to be written up in our history books for our children to learn what they did, what they stood up for and lost, how they left what was precious to them and started rebuilding another enormous project, once again incorporating the surrounding community.
Roy and Heather died on another venture together.
What an amazing, incredible legacy they have left behind.
Recent Comments
17
Tania, your words are like honey. Such a sweet tribute to your dear and treasured friends. I pray for your pain to lessen as you rethink all the happy memories like the ones you've shared here. I wish you the strength to move mountains and lift entire communities up. You're heart and integrity truly shadow your grief. Bless you!
Beautiful post.
Thank you for your kind encouraging words. This community really helps us to go beyond ourselves.
So sorry for your loss Tania. Sounds like an amazing couple and you were so blessed to know them.
Thank you, Craig, they were an ordinary couple who did extraordinary things - this was how someone described them.
Hi Tania sorry for the loss love your loved ones, love your tribute to them. Take care
John
Hi Tania,
My thoughts are with you at this time of loss. It's never easy but I like how you said they left a "fine example of how to live life and leave a legacy."
Losing shining examples like Roy and Heather Bennett make us think about our own contributions in life and the legacy we are creating.
Hopefully when we leave this world, people will say we did a fine job too. There's only one way to leave a legacy and that's to engage fully with life every day as they did.
~Mark
Wise words Mark, yes it is not just material wealth that matters, more importantly it is the legacy of substance that will help leave the world a better place.
Hi Tania, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dear friends. They were doing what they loved and their legacy will leave lasting memories for all who knew them.
I wish you comfort, peace and love.
Sue
Oh Tania, what a tribute to life and memories. As we traverse this path, so much comes our way and slowly we see the joy and purpose. I am sorry for your loss. But grateful for the imprint of their life. I wish you great ease. in peace and gratitude, ariel
My condolences, Tania. No one is ever prepared for the passing of anyone ( a loved one, a pet, a not so much loved one) - expected or unexpected.
Take time to grieve...or to recall memories. It is a process and a phase that only you can put a timer on.
Be strong.
Namase
M
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Sometimes it's in grieving that we can experience the greatest things. Thank you for sharing such a personal story, Tania.