As a born-again follower of Jesus Christ leaving this world behind is something you should look forward to. There is a NO better reward that a believer can EVER receive than eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ forevermore! So that said the best gift you can leave behind is a legacy of treasured memories for your family to cherish.
However, as much as we long to be in Heaven, with our Lord and Savior, leaving our loved ones behind is hard. We don’t want them to be sad and mourn us and want them to be happy, and keep living their lives. I can think of ONE thing, ONE word, we can leave them with, that they will cherish forever. MEMORIES!
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A Powerful Inspiring Day Of A Patient’s Vulnerable Story
When I take my final breath on this earth I hope I’ve left an imprint on those who know and love me.
I want them to be able to say, “When I think of Angie she sure made my days brighter by______?”
I have so many loved ones that are passed away and that has changed my life FOREVER! They’ve made me the person I am today.
Do I have moments of sadness when I think of them? Yes! Does a certain memory bring a smile to my face? Absolutely!
I am more than certain that you have many bittersweet memories too. I want to share with you, the very recent passing of a loved one, which has affected me greatly.
This individual isn’t a blood relative, but I considered him “part of my family!”
Treasured moments: Let me introduce my friend…Michael
See my “special friend” of mine in the picture above? His name is Michael and needs an introduction. He has one of those personalities, that lights up a room.
He has such an award-winning smile and infectious laughter, you couldn’t NOT be drawn to him.
I Promise, you would’ve been drawn to him, like a bee to honey also.
Leave A Family Legacy to remember
Michael Loved Woodworking:
Let me tell you what Michael told me recently. He’d been working on different crafts and was giving me details of these projects.
I could tell he was feeling run down, and I asked him, “why are you so tired? Have you not been sleeping well?” His precious wife said..”Tell her! Tell her WHY you’re so worn out!”
Gifting a family legacy to Children and grandchildren
I gave him the “look” You know the one we women can give sometimes right?
My “look” stopped dead in its tracks when he looked at me, with tear-filled eyes and said, “Angie, I’M AFRAID I WON’T GET IT DONE IN TIME!”
I was ready to cry a river at that statement.
A Reality of Life
Michael knew his life on earth was on borrowed time. God Bless him! He was running himself to the ground because he wanted to leave his grandchildren, a piece of himself behind.
Something they could hold in their hands made by his hands. That’s the kind of man he was.
Family Legacy memories
I want to share a memory that I will remember for the rest of my days. I would hope my family would think of doing something like this also.
The family knew that Michael was getting much sicker and didn’t have much time left with him. They wanted a memory of Him also just a different kind. A family legacy to pass on from generation to generation.
Michael and his wife had NO IDEA what they’d arranged. Let me set the stage for you.
family legacy photoshoot
This LARGE family had a “FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT” set up. ALL OF THEM! I don’t know how they pulled it off without them knowing what they had planned!
I have trouble getting a photo with just my grandchildren together let alone a huge family. They wore color-coordinated clothing and took group shots, individual shots, you name it.
These ones-of-kind pictures will be something these sons, daughters, grandchildren, etc…will FOREVER cherish. A beautiful soul is never forgotten.
treasured memories for the photographer
At one time they told me the photographer had tears streaming down her face so badly that she couldn’t see through the lens and had to stop and clean it before proceeding.
Can you envision how special this memory will be for them?
When they showed me these amazing pictures I lost my composure! I ain’t gonna lie. I WAS ONE BIG OLE HOT MESS! When I viewed them, I will give you One Word to describe them.
AMAZING!!
I cried like a blubbering baby! I kid you not. Did you cry? Be Honest? It’s Ok if you did! I did! I still do when the memory comes to mind.
Run the race and finish it well
My friend fought hard but recently went home, to be with his Lord and Savior. This leaves me both sad and happy.
Sad that I will not see his award-winning smile and hear his infectious laugh but I’m happy he’s no longer sick and has eternal rest.
Make a difference and leave treasured memories to cherish
Being able to call Michael my friend is a blessing. The memories I have with him have and will FOREVER change my life!
When you and I are going through trials of various kinds, people watch what we say, and how we handle them. It shows them what we’re truly made of.
I hope the way I handle mine makes a difference in someone’s life just as Michael’s did mine.
He was sick for a long time but you’d never known it until right toward the end. He still had that award-winning smile and infectious laughter that I will NEVER forget.
how working in oncology teaches what’s important in life?
I work with oncology patients and the hardest part of my job is watching the suffering that my patients go through every day. I have a confession to make. I can tell you countless times, after finishing the patient’s blood work….etc…That I have cried out to God!
I know life is in the palm of his hands, and he has a reason for ALL things, it’s just difficult to watch sometimes. I have prayed and pleaded with God, that if the individual is saved and ready for Heaven, to PLEASE end their pain and suffering!!
It just doesn’t seem fair! However, God has not promised us, that we would have a pain-free life. He did promise us, that he’d be with us, in the midst of them.
treasured Memories Quotes: family legacy
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
– Unknown
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.“
– Kahlil Gibran
“Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”
– Emily Dickinson
“Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”
– Unknown
“He spake well who said that graves are the footprints of angels.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.”
– Kenji Miyazawa
“If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.”
The Crow, written by James O’Barr, David J. Schow, and John Shirley, 1994
“Love is stronger than death even though it can’t stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can’t separate people from love. It can’t take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death.
– Unknown
“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.”
– Isaac Asimov
Your Turn
No one is promised their next breath let alone tomorrow. Treasure the memories you have with your loved ones while you have them with you. Leave memories…No regrets! I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14
Angela Cleary | Christian Influencer and Inspirational Writer of Resounding His Love
Hey there, I’m Angela. My passion is sharing the gospel, and how Jesus has transformed my life and he can do the same for you. When trials and tribulations arise it’s crucial to walk by faith not by sight, no matter how things appear. In my posts, I’m 100% honest and vulnerable, and I share some hard things, even when it isn’t easy…But if “My Story” helps “You” overcome your struggles in life and learn to lean on Jesus…Our #1 problem solver in all circumstances…it’s worth it!
Note: All information on this site is for educational purposes only. Resounding His Love does not provide medical advice. Please consult a physician if you suspect medical problems or need professional advice.
