"Oh, I want to leave a legacy to be remembered,
More than just a memory that fades away,
Because we only, we only get one life."
~ Legacy
Sure, a little morbid ... don't worry, I'm not thinking of doing anything drastic. But do you ever wonder what type of legacy you're going to leave behind?
Today marks the second anniversary of one of my best friend's (Alicia) mother's (Tricia) death. I don't really want to go into details, but this day marks an important day in my life.
I had never really witnessed death before this, and never death at such a young age. Sure, I've been to multiple funerals for great aunts and uncles but I didn't really know them so there was no connection. There was a connection with Tricia, though. This was the first time I truly questioned life and what we're here to do. This day comes with sadness, but also inspiration. May 19 always reminds me to live life to the fullest and have no regrets ... leave a legacy you'll be proud of.
Tricia went in and out Alicia's life for a very long time, but she was always a strong force in Alicia's life. I remember Tricia being a very big part of Alicia's life when we were younger and then she fell through the cracks a bit and Alicia's grandparents took over. I don't have many memories of Tricia because I was younger when she was part of my life, but all the memories I have are good ones.
I remember driving places with her and Alicia and saying my "Catholic" prayers because I wasn't sure we were going to make it to our destination. Everything was an adventure. Tricia was the "cool" mom. All the other moms were the worriers and the ones who fussed over everything. Tricia was like our big sister and it was great to have her as a big sister.
I think people affect other people in many different ways. I affect my friends differently than I affect my parents. And because of this, the legacy we leave behind is different for everyone. Tricia's legacy will be different for all the people she ever crossed paths with, but I think there will be a few similarities ...
Tricia was a kind, sweet, affectionate mother to everyone. I'm sure it sort of came with the territory of being a nurse, but that doesn't matter. She loved all of Alicia's friends like family and that is something I treasure immensely. The feeling of acceptance and belonging mean so much to me, and she was able to give that me when I wasn't home with my own family.
Tricia was crazy at times, but it was definitely apparent that she lived life. There were sometimes I wondered if she really knew what she was doing or if she was doing the right things as a mother, but who am I to judge? She would stay up late with her daughter reading Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, she would take her shopping and love her more than anyone can imagine. She was Alicia's mother first and foremost, but she was also her best friend.
Things got tough in the end with Tricia, but I'll always remember her for the true person she was - a loving, fun, beautiful, vibrant mother to not just Alicia but to rest of us.
Tricia has left a positive legacy in my life and I hope she has in other people's lives also. I hope one day, I can look back and know I've left a legacy somewhat comparable to Tricia's ... her life should celebrated, not forgotten.
We'll never forget you. xoxo
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