A Different Kind Of Legacy

Is your legacy your children? Is your legacy your career accomplishments? Is your legacy your hobby? Is your legacy your vocation? What kind of lasting effect do you have on other people? Let’s exclude the “ex- wife”, or “ex-husband” legacy but a more positive impact from you.

Recently I ran into the son of a colleague from 20 years ago. It was sheer coincidence that we even connected that his Dad and I worked together. He told me his Dad had passed away in a freak accident about 10 years ago. He also told me that his Dad spoke kindly of me as some one who helped him in his career. It’s a shame I never knew I had been helpful to his career, but this got me thinking about legacies.

I have a friend who is living her legacy. She has a unique knack of putting people together with opportunities. Here are few examples:

She met a guy in the dog park. After a few months of the dogs playing she found out he was homeless, sleeping in his car. She knew of someone who was looking for workers and now this guy is gainfully employed and has a home.

She knew a woman in her Mother’s neighborhood that was being evicted from her rental because the house was sold and being gentrified. The woman had rented there for over 20 years.  My friend knew of a rental next to her Mother that was available and now this woman just had to move down the street.

She had a friend looking for part time work. She knew a business that was looking for her friend’s skills and connected them together.

Is your legacy as a matchmaker? Did you fix up 2 people who are happy together because of you?

Is your legacy as a reference? Did you give such a glowing reference that this person now enjoys a career or job because of you?

Is your legacy as a good judge of character? Did you give an opportunity to a child or adult that turned out successfully when even they were doubtful?

Do you have the knack my friend has?

I think legacies are best while living, while we can see and appreciate the long-term effect we have on people. What is your legacy?