Writing About Your Life

Yesterday I took photos of the things around our house since Car-man repeatedly reminded me that photos "saved" us when we had the big earthquake (1994, Northridge, CA) and we could then prove to our insurance company what we owned.  So I went around this house and garage and itemized on camera the appliances, antiques, paintings, china, crystal, etc.

What would make little difference to anyone but my family are the boxes and boxes of photos stashed both in the house and garage.  These, obviously, couldn't be replaced unless they were saved in some off-site computer storage like Shutterfly or Snapfish.  Nor could the memories that go along with them.

Journal for Jordan has made the headlines of late.  Jordan's father, Sgt. Charles Monroe King (pictured), spent only two weeks with his infant son before he returned to duty in Iraq where he was killed in 1996.   In his writings King, unique and spirited,  lovingly shared his personal wisdom with the son he would never share first steps, first date, and first child.

I don't have to look far to remember faces  younger than I who once occupied special moments in my life but who are no longer on this earth.  You never know when you time is up--it only takes one car accident or one visit to the doctor to know that your days are numbered. 

In the spirit of Charles King, we, too, can leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren. We can impart the wisdom we have gleaned from years of living.  As a New Year's resolution, think about putting pen to paper about what makes you you, what you believe in, what's most important to you. And let those who descend you know the person you really are.