May I remind you ~ Reflection ~ thought, thinking, consideration, contemplation, deliberation, pondering, meditations, musing, rumination ~ as defined by Wikipedia and for my purpose allows me to throw just about anything your way.
Reflections from the Rideau Lake continue this week as I managed to survive the heat and humidity without air conditioning. I can tell you that I spent far too much time deliberating on the merits of air conditioning when it feels like 42 degrees!
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”
~ John F. Kennedy
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”
~ Walt Disney Company, Mulan
“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”
~ Kalu Ndukwe Kalu
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
~ Jane Goodall
I buried my oldest brother on Sunday! His death is not significant. However, his extraordinary life is significant. He lived, courageously, with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for 21 years. And not a moment in the unforgiveable journey did he give in to self pity or despair. 21 years ago when he broke the news to me, he said “I’m going to live while I die.” He made that promise to himself and he kept his promise. In the early days we talked about legacy, living, death and dying and and his wish to have his life matter. He was wise. He had a purpose despite ALS.
Some might say that the disease robbed him of his life but he would say it gave him life, a life he never expected. He was a determined soul whose was as ingenious as he was inspirational. His life bloomed in the adversity he endured. He had an exceptional life. And in that exceptional life he has left an enormous legacy. There a million things one could say about a life well lived. And in his case all would be true. More importantly, I want to say “I am grateful for his courage! I will always be inspired to be courageous, in my life, because of him. I am honoured to have been by his side.”
And perhaps we can all be reminded that life is about what we do. And despite the unimaginable we can leave a legacy of love, hope and courage.
My Brother, I love you forever and always! I will always keep you in the quiet of my heart.
Written by Deborah Lavender, BMG Senior Consultant
Photo Copyright: Nongnuch Leelaphasuk, 123RF
