Legacy

As I reflect over the activities of the past week, I wonder what kind of legacy I will leave. I had the privilege of reuniting with my best friend this past week. It's been 5 years since last I saw her. We picked up right where we left off. The circumstances were bittersweet. You see, her father passed away August 20th. He was a godly, easygoing man, yet firm in his beliefs. He and his wife produced 4 children and raised them to be godly people. They also raised them to know their own minds and to stand up for what they believe. That can get pretty interesting when they're not in agreement, but it's a credit to them that they can sit around a table and talk and work things out for the best of all involved. Mr. Parker's legacy isn't limited to just him. It fans out around him through his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his friends, his coworkers. Proof is in the people who drove 2 hours to be at the visitation and funeral Thursday night. Proof is in the crowded bottom floor of the sanctuary where the memorial service was held.

Some of my best memories were made with the Parker family, like the time we went to New Orleans for a day, spending the night in Biloxi on the way there. Or the time Leslie and JJ came to see me at college and instead of staying there, we went to Biloxi and water-skied and visited Boomtown Casino. Or the surprise birthday party for my 20th birthday. I love how I am considered family even though I'm not related by blood or marriage. How when no one but family was around Thursday night and Friday afternoon, I was there and welcomed and no one thought anything of it. 20 years is a long time to call someone your best friend. I've been fortunate to be able to call Leslie my best friend for at least that long. In high school, if you saw one of us, you most likely saw the other...even though we went to different schools. Trips to the beach and stopping at BK on the way home for Whoppers. Just hanging out and watching a movie. Yes, legacy extends to the family and to the memories made with the family. Bittersweet. Bitter because of the circumstances, but sweet because of the new memories made.