Legacy

One only have to do research into the history of those great folks who have since departed this earth, leaving behind wonderful messages of hope, faith, good works/deeds and words of encouragement, when we want to remind ourselves of those who have made an indellible contribution in the aftermath of death:

Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.
Presidents; John and Robert Kennedy
James Baldwin
Anne Sexton
Jannis Joplin
Harold Washington
Sylvia Platt
Rosa Parks
These are only a smidgen of the greatness in humanity that we as a people have fond memories of, yet, most importantly, a body of works to view at our leisure.

I have been writing for the last year about seemingly, a simple woman whom I've come to know and appreciate for her kind deliverance in words and wisdom. I came to know 'Mama Pearl' when I joined the nursing staff at my present job. Mama Pearl could often be seen manuvering her wheelchair down the halls of the geriatric facility in a no nonsense fashion as the staff made room for her passage and often humorous quips that she was likely to impart.

Needless to say, I was completely taken with the nearly century old woman's agility, mental alertness and simple joy for life. I often caught her after she'd attended services on sunday morning where the residents gathered in the huge dining area for woship...she'd have on her sunday best, lipstick, her gray hair hidden under one of the many hats she favored.

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I'd stop her and bend close to look into her twinkling eyes and mischievous grin..."Mama Pearl, you look so georgeous. everyone loves you, because you are such a 'matriach'."

She'd return my compliment with a sheepish and proud response..."Am I really? Well,thank you." I watch as she continues down the hall toward her room. An old woman who admittedly have no children, but, plenty of neices and nephews; Her back straight, head erect, appearing dignified and graceful.

As 'mama pearl' lay in a hospital bed in strange and for her, unfamiliar surroundings,due to an old woman's change in mental and physical status where her winters and summers will soon merge into one, I feel blessed to have known her, confident that the family that always seem to remember her love of hats, her witty sense of humor, her graceful and gracious contribution, will carry those and other fond memories with them throughout life...

What is it that you'd like others to remember about your presence on earth? It could be as simple as a kind word, a friendly smile, or a gentle touch; Believe me, fulfilling your divine purpose on earth, will never be forgotten...