How do you want to be remembered? You need not wait for the last day of your life.
The question on how you want to be remembered seems a bit morbid when everyone is too busy getting a life. We shudder at the thought of death and hush up talks pointing to this inevitable end like they were curses. But death is the final destination of our earthly existence. Thereafter, we leave traces of ourselves through the memories we leave behind. However, it is not only in death where we leave imprints of ourselves but in every coming and going in our lives. Have you ever thought how you will be remembered by family and friends? Will it be in honor or in disgrace?
A reporter once interviewed the residents of a small town what they thought about their outgoing mayor.
“He was a liar and a cheat,” said a gasoline boy.
“He was a pompous ass,” said the school principal.
“I have never voted for him in my life,” said the health worker.
“He was the most corrupt politician I have ever known,” said the street sweeper.
When the reporter finally asked the mayor, he asked him how much salary he received when he was mayor.
“My goodness, I didn’t get any salary,” said the mayor.
“Then why did you take the job?” asked the reporter.
“For the honor.”
Memories are like seeds planted in people’s minds. They can remain as seeds for centuries, grow into bad weeds or die a natural death. It is only when memories are sown in the fertile soil of a heart you have touched that they grow into a worthy legacy for generations to come.
I never thought about how I want to be remembered but it is my sensitivity, compassion and sense of humor that stick in people’s minds most of the time. Perhaps, I would like to be remembered not for my achievements (there aren’t many anyway) but for my character—simply an overall good person, a blessing than a curse, someone who genuinely cared for others and made this world a better place for everyone. Sounds like a eulogy? I guess it does, but hey, we may come to this reality at some point.
And while we’re at it, I would like to thank my family and friends who remembered my special day. I also thank my online friends who remember to keep in touch once in a while or drop by my pages to leave comments. Thank you very much for the wonderful memories shared. Now please help yourselves with this sweet little thing.
Likha is an expert author at EzineArticles.com and is a proud member of The Filipino Diaspora.
Happy birthday, Inay Likha. 
You are indeed a wise person because you think of death. That’s what the Bible says. God bless you more.
Happy Birthday
Hope I got it right that it was your birthday sometine these days. If it is so, then happy birthday to you
As for how I want to be remembered, well, as a person I really am and that is not for me to judge .
We can probably easily forget world records and other achievements but we always remember most those people who have touched our hearts, no matter how insignificant it may seem. An act of kindness always goes a long way.
I’d like to be remembered as someone who made people smile….simple as that…
This is so beautifully written, Likha. Hmmm… I hope I can be remembered as someone who’s able to touch the hearts of people… 
Welcome to Authspot, the spot for creative writing.
Read some stories and poems, and be sure to subscribe to our feed!
