What do you want to leave behind after you are gone?
My great-grandfather was a renowned musician, one of the few whose compositions were undoubtedly sung by every soul in my country. He passed away in 1995, four years before I was born. Though I never met him, his presence permeated my upbringing. In the homes of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even my own, his image was omnipresent. Paintings, portraits, relics, medals, commendations, and gifts adorned our walls, each a testament to his extraordinary life.
I vividly recall the annual New Year tradition. My great-grandfather’s eldest son, my grandpa, would invariably receive interviews from traditional newspapers or television stations. The content revolved around familiar tales of my great-grandfather, which my family could recite by heart. We would eagerly gather to watch the broadcast or wait for the article to appear on our family’s Zalo group on the day of publication.
My great-grandfather left behind a musical legacy that will continue to resonate for generations to come. His compositions, numbering in the hundreds, will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of his admirers.
That makes me wonder: “What do we want to leave behind when we’re gone?”
Is it a lasting legacy – something that will endure beyond our lifetime, whether it’s a work of art, a piece of writing, or a foundation that carries on our values?
Is it some meaningful contributions – a difference we make in the world, to leave it a better place than we found it?
Or is it love and connection – to be remembered for the love we shared with others, the relationships we nurtured, and the positive impact we had on those around us?
If you haven’t found yourself a meaning in life, take a moment to ask yourself these questions.
And maybe, just maybe, you will find the answer.
