A Legacy of Memories

Written by Mary Moore

Not long ago I found myself at a funeral for a 92-year-old woman. She left behind 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She lived in a small house built by her husband, furniture that showed signs of being used; she did not own a car. Therefore according to most standards today, she had nothing. I found myself questioning, “What one lady, like her, would leave that many family members?” I soon found out.

During the service, one great-grandson got up and spoke about his grandmother. He recalled all the Sunday dinners he ate at his grandmother’s house after church service. (She always cooked Sunday dinner for all the family until she was 88.  The entire family was expected to be there every Sunday.)  He described the table each Sunday filled with all types of food:  2-3 different types of meat, 5-7 vegetables, and all kinds of delicious desserts.

Even with all the work of feeding the family on Sunday (no doubt she was tired), she had time to spend with each one of them trying to keep up with what was going on in their lives.  She gave words of encouragement and nuggets of wisdom during their time together. He stated the talk always ended with “I Love You” and a hug.

They talked about how they looked forward to going to Grandma’s house. Not only was the food really good, but they had so much fun. They reflected on how she would always sit on the porch and watch the play taking place…simply taking life easy and enjoying every single moment.

One granddaughter talked about staying with her grandmother. How much love and care was given to her during that time. They would talk about times past in her grandmother’s life. She talked about how she treasured that time with her.

They talked about how she loved the Lord. Even with making the big dinner on Sunday, she still had time to attend church when the doors were open. They talked about what a prayer warrior she was and how that would be missed.

One after another shared about their grandmother and the memories they had. Some memories were funny, some sad but all were from the heart.

After the funeral was over, I found myself thinking about what a legacy and memories she left for her family. That has more value than any material items she could have left. How our lives are so mixed up.  Often we think we need the nicest house with the most expensive furniture, the newest car, name brand clothing and shoes and a bank account that is impressive. We’re not going to let the ‘Jones outdo us’!  But not this lady, she left wonderful memories from the oldest son to the youngest grandchild.

Memories can be defined as “the time within which past events can be or are remembered in the mind”.  Material things such as houses, furniture, cars, clothes, shoes and bank accounts will soon fade. But memories will last a lifetime. No one can take them away from you.

Then I started thinking about myself. Am I spending enough time with family and friends? What value do I put on material items? Memories can’t be created in one day. Memories are made day-by-day over a lifetime.

Then I’m reminded that no matter how old you live to be life passes fast.

…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. ~James 4:14 (ESV)