Passing Thoughts

[cabinetman]

I must say I'm very traumatized by the passing of Niki. It's all too sudden. No time for more words of friendship, here yesterday, gone today...in an instant, just taken away. I've lost many family members, both parents, and many friends. Each and every time I feel the emptiness of the loss. It's a reminder how temporary we are, and not knowing how much time is left.

Makes me think that I may be remembered by the way I lived, like all my ducks should be in a row, you know...organized. Maybe my shop should be clean all the time, all the repairs done around the house. Maybe a list of last minute things to take care of that I might not have a chance to do.

Makes me think of any marks I've made on this world. Things I may be remembered for. Hopefully those that have my work will remember me as a craftsman and our experience of working together was pleasurable. Maybe others will remember me as just a smart a$$.

I don't feel like I missed much in life. I had a good childhood, did as much schooling as I could stand, served my country and was a good soldier, and have a work life that is creative and fulfilling. I have a wonderful wife and loving pets, vehicles that run well, and a nice place to live. I'm thinking what else can there be.

I hope I've made a positive relationship with the people in my life. How I'm remembered may be in how I've treated them. Likewise, maybe I'll be remembered by the ones I've PO'd. So is there a tomorrow? Can't bet on that one.

If there is such a thing as a soul (not to get religious), one conception could be is that it is how those remember you when you're gone. How often and how you are talked about is what keeps that memory alive.

Sorry about the rambling...I'm just stressed out and had to vent.
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[gsmittle]

Hey, no prob. I just finished the Niki thread and am trying to get my thoughts in order, too. What a shock!

I think you're on the right track here. A few years ago, I read words to the effect of "what you do and how you do it are a reflection of who you are." IOW, if you slack off on a project, you are perceived as a slacker. Too many of my students refuse to do any work that's not for a grade of some sort. I tell them they are graded every minute of every day.

I'd like to think I've had a positive influence on at least a few of the teenagers I've worked with over the past seven years.

And in memory of Niki, I'm not sure what they drink in Poland, but I'll be raising a glass of fine Kentucky bourbon in your memory tonight. Rest in Peace.

g.

[Ed62]

That was a great post, Mike. I often think about many of the thoughts you brought up. Life is indeed short.

Ed

[Uncle Cracker]

If who you were lives on in the people you have influenced, then you have not really left. All anyone can ever do is his best, and there should be no regrets if one somehow manages to do exactly that.

[LinuxRandal]

I would rather NOT be remembered, but have the values I have tried to instill, remembered as they will get passed along. While memories of us and the ones we know, live on inside of those left behind, I am afraid, I have seen enough people and damage, to those that hang on and can't move on.

I don't remember exactly how it went, but something like:
Remember the past. (learn from others and past events, so you don't repeat mistakes)
Save for the future. (put away for that rainy day or the tough times ahead)
And live EACH day, as it is your last one on Earth, to your knowledge. (your born dying, live and love like it)

[germdoc]

"If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?"

--Lynyrd Skynyrd

I am not sure what I would leave my kids of material possessions, other than old books they don't want to read, old tools they don't know how to use and a couple of guitars they don't know how to play.

On the other hand...I went to probably my 500th school concert yesterday--saw my youngest daughter sing and play cello, and my youngest son sing and play saxophone, and I felt such a sense of joy in their accomplishments. If nothing else, I have given them a love of music and art and the opportunity to pursue their talents as far as they want to take them. My older kids are out in the world studying and trying to make their mark, and the younger ones are well on their way (youngest son will be going to U of MN next year to study architecture).

So, I don't feel too badly about the things I haven't accomplished in this lifetime.

[crokett]

I want to be remembered as a good and decent father, husband and an honorable son. Strive for that and you will find (as I have) that what you do to become that sort of takes care of itself.