After returning home from an emotional weekend, filled with numerous farewells to Lucile, the entire last week has neatly distilled in my mind to a few prominent thoughts, two of which I wanted to share.
The first thought is that the Rowntree clan has been blessed with a new opportunity as a family. As an outlaw, I often watch the goings-on and see a collection of individuals, drawn together for events organized by others. This last weekend I saw more sharing of time, stories, emotions and laughter than ever before.
The gathering seemed charged with a desire to reach out, and while it's heart-breaking to see Lucile's death being necessary to galvanize the group as a whole, it has served a very positive purpose. I think the challenge (opportunity) will be to maintain all the energy and contact from here on. The annual reunion surrounding her birthday will now have to take place based on all the family member's desire to preserve a great clan.
The second thought, is that in the end, we're judged by the number of ripples we leave on the pond.
In my work in motivation and goal-setting coaching, one of the exercises is to write your own eulogy. It makes a person focus on where they've been and where they intend to go. Most people come away feeling as if they haven't lived up to their potential, and vowing to improve.
I don't think anyone can ever truly know how they have affected others' lives, but they can work to do their best to leave the Earth a better place than when they arrived. Lucile clearly did this. She was a selfless servant (as so many pointed out) who gave completely of herself. Those who met her came away better, and those who truly knew her found a friend, a mentor, a safe haven and a delightful companion.
Her life charged, and changed many others. The ripples will continue for many generations to come, and not diminish if we all work to further her impact in our own daily interactions with friends, family, business contacts and complete strangers. A big challenge -- but not too lofty a goal -- and a great way to honor her memory.
My personal thanks to each of you for the conversations, tears, laughter and warm embraces this last weekend. I felt her looking down and enjoying the activity.
Ski Sullivan
1 comment:
Mr. Ski,
What a wonderful detail of Momee's life and family and the events of our memorial for her. She was clearly a very special person. Mom was simply, GOOD. I certainly recognize just how blessed all my family is to have had Momee in our life. Ski, I was looking through the 3 Trees Ranch guest book this past easter weekend and noticed what Momee had written just last year, at the 2006 Easter gatering at ranch. In her frail hand writing she wrote, "My greatest gift is that all my children love each other." She broght love in our life, she really defined us in many ways. A gift to us, the Momee.
I loved your comments and observations Ski, well done.
Paul Rowntree
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