As we get older we inevitably start to think of our legacy. What will be left of us when we go; blurred snapshot memories and faded memories. Several years ago, before the boys were born an event took place that shook me to the core. I can't go into details, but in its immediate devastating aftermath and once we had come through it I found myself asking what will our/my legacy be.

First and foremost a legacy has to be passed on. It is said that so long as memories remain then the person who has passed is still present and in some ways has never left us. Every laugh, every memory, even a glance at a family member that reminds us of that lost one somehow brings them back. I mentioned yesterday that my Mum passed in 1991 and still I think about her almost every day - so in a certain sense I am keeping her alive, even though with the passage of years many of those memories are becoming increasing short and more vague. Obviously, I am not the only one who holds memories of her and so she is remembered among others.

A legacy is also about a worldview. How we see the world and others and how it impacts us and the indelible mark, a footprint if you like, that we leave behind

So when it comes to my legacy... 

I would like to think that I would be remembered first of all as a loving and consistent Dad, who was above all fair, even if I was firm at times. That somehow I will have imparted to my boys a sense of values, an idea of right and wrong and the ability to make good decisions and furthermore the ability to rise above the immediate emotion of testing moments, which inevitably are a part of life, to see a pathway through; an ability to focus on the bigger picture or the end goal, rather than to act irrationally in the moment. Maybe I am emotionally a bit surpressed, but while emotion is a useful guide and has actually evolved as an early warning system, it is hardly reliable and especially when those emotions are negative.

More broadly speaking I would like to be remembered for my warmth, humour and gentle nature - even if that gets tested at times. 

Being a realist I guess that some will remember my more negative traits - nobody is perfect after all - but I would like to think that my positive traits outweigh my negative ones.

What do you think your legacy will be?

As always stay safe and well my friends.