How will you be remembered?

As most of you know, I took a part time job at a Catholic church to make some extra money. I am basically in charge of setting up for mass and for any funerals and such that are schedule for the day. Even though I turned away from the church long ago, I still sit quietly in the back room and listen to the sermon, the readings from the Bible and to the priest's homily. This is only my second week of work but I have already had to set up for 3 funerals with another one tomorrow. As the service goes on I take special interest in the eulogies that people give for their loved ones. It's sad to think about losing loved ones but it is nice to hear all the funny stories, happy memories and lessons learned, that the loved ones share.

There have been 2 services that have stuck out in my mind and made a real impact on me. The first was an older woman,in her mid 80's, her name escapes me, but it was her nephew who spoke about her. He had so many stories to paint a picture of his late aunt's life. All of them described a caring, loving, warm and fun loving lady who always went beyond what was expected of her. She spent her whole life trying to help as many people as she could. Trying to bring as much happiness as possible into every one's lives. In her eye's everyone she met was deserving of her compassion. It was said that she didn't have a hateful bone in her body. Now if you ask me that is a wonderful way for people to remember you.

The second was the one we had today. She was a young lady, only 22. She had her whole life ahead of her. Her older sister described her as someone who always had a smile on her face. She loved the outdoors and spending time with her family and friends. Even though she was always a very healthy person one day she got very ill and quickly she went down hill. After being in the hospital for just a short while, she passed away.Never having the chance to fulfill her dreams and aspirations. It's always sad when such a young person passes away.

Like I said these 2 stories about these 2 woman have really got me thinking. First, we never know when our time will come. It shows us how important it is to try and live everyday to it's fullest. To not worry about tomorrow or complain about yesterday.Life is way to short to carry around all those things that we don't have any use for. The second thing is, how are you going to be remember by the people who knew you? Will you be remembered as a loving person? A happy person who always had a smile on their face and a kind word to say? Will you be remembered as a person who always went out of their way for people? Or will you be remembered as a person who was always miserable, complaining about everything and everybody? How we live our lives and how we will be remembered is ultimately up to us.Live today as though it will be the one day you are remembered for. Love your life and it will love you back. Blessings and love to all.