For a month, I sat with my mom as she gradually transitioned from this physical plain into her next big adventure. I watched this magnificent human being who had accomplished so much and who had enjoyed life despite her many heartaches and struggles, wilt into what seemed to be a cocoon. She seemed trapped in this physical form unable to move, or speak, yet she spoke so loudly. Her eyes twinkled with recognition, her face grimaced in pain, her lips smiled in agreement and her moans mimicked a song or her groans alerted a need. All in all, I witnessed her True Self-the Spirit of Life.
Becky and her mother
This witnessing helped me to understand myself and humanity so much more. We are so much bigger and grander than we conceive. We are expansive beyond our knowing. As letters flowed in and stories were told, my small composite of my mom expanded. I saw her in new light, with new glasses. I realized that I had only a minute composite of this woman of courage, power, strength, compassion, love and grace.
I remember conversations with her as she minimized or doubted her impact on society, due to her inability to make large monetary contributions to organizations which helped the greater good.
However, as I sat with mom and listened to the stories of her friends, went through her boxes of memorabilia,
and read the emails of people she had influence, encouraged, served, and loved, I realized that her gifts to society, to her family, to her friends, her co-workers, and most people she encountered, were so much greater than any check she could have written.
What she gave them was her most valuable assets, her life, her time, her love and her compassion. These gifts last a life time and leave legacy. Her example of living fully engaged with a sense of excellence is a model for me. It stretches my beyond myself, it challenges me to show up despite life’s circumstances and it give me a direction in which to move.
We all have gifts and talents with limited time to hone them and to offer them in service to the greater good. This is our ultimate calling, how are you using your gifts and talents? What is the legacy you will leave behind?
It is something to consider, Becky J. Benes
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