In Memory of Dr. Maya Angelou
When you lose someone who has lived a rich rewarding life...someone who has had a life well-spent..someone who has left a legacy of hope and determination...You feel the loss, but you celebrate the life. To all who know and love her, her family and her friends we mourn with you, we celebrate the life and the legacy, and we are oh so thankful that Maya passed this way.
What Will Your Legacy Be?
When we look back on your life, what will we see?
What will your legacy be?
Will your memory live on
Long after you are gone?
Will you have lived in such a way
That someone has something good to say?
We have a dream to fulfill,
A foundation to build
Will you leave behind
A useful design?
Will your life be a tapestry
For generations to be?
Will your children respect what you have left?
Will they be able to follow in your steps,
Run with your shadow,
And learn all there is to know?
Are you living the proper lifestyle?
Are you doing something worthwhile?
Will your life be an open book
For anyone who wants to take a look?
Are you building a foundation that is secure,
One that will endure?
You don’t have to be a Queen or a King
To make you life count for something.
You don’t have to be a Rosa Parks.
To leave your own mark.
When we look back on your life what will we see?
What will your legacy be?
Is your life so set apart
That it can change someone’s heart?
Whose life will you have changed for the good?
Can someone be proud to stand where you once stood?
Can your children walk in your steps
Without regrets?
Will your words still speak
Will they inspire someone who grows weak?
Will your teachings live on
Long after you are gone?
Will your prayers see your family through the trying years?
Can they draw on your wisdom and your strength when you are no longer here?
If someone drinks from your cup
Will they be lifted up,
Challenged, and inspired
To go to a higher place?
Can they take your baton and win the race?
So again I ask,
Are you creating a history that will last?
From generation
To generation
Because as it is so shall it forever be
Your family’s legacy.
When we look back on your life, what will we see?
What will your legacy be?
Patricia Newman-Harris
from Living the Dream,
Dr. Maya Angelou
We will miss you.
This was one of my father's favorite songs