The circle of life

While attending my niece's wedding, I became acutely aware of the changes that had taken place over time. This was especially apparent when the officiant named those who were not with us to celebrate the joyous event: grandparents, family members, and friends. This acknowledgement brought tears to my eyes as I looked around me recognizing their absence and realizing that I now occupied the uppermost generational niche present. My oldest niece was there with her two elementary school-aged children who seemed like they were infants only yesterday. Where had the years gone? What was even more important was what I had done to fill those years. What values and beliefs did I share as part of my legacy to future generations knowing that those before me had influenced my way of seeing the world? Would the way I treated others make the world a better place to live? I know that eventually my name will join the list of those not present at some future family event. What would be the thoughts and memories of those who hear my name in the circle of life? What would you want those memories of you to be and what are you doing to create those memories?