What We Leave Behind

They say "You can't take it with you", but what about "What you leave behind"?

When I was younger I thought that the goal in life was getting ahead and accumulating "things". You go out to fancy places. You buy shiny toys. You get ahead. After a while you realize that you actually have enough "things". And then, if you're lucky, you have a family, and all that changes.

From then on, you don't accumulate for you, but for them. You take them to fancy (but more likely, fun) places. You buy them new toys. You make it easier for them to get ahead.

At some point you realize that, just as your parents did before you, you are leaving your mark on those around you. You are leaving it on your kids. On your spouse. And on your friends.

You'll never be remembered by the things you have. No one will ever say, "They had an amazing phone. You should have seen it." What people will remember you for is how you treated them. How you loved them. How you spent time with them. There can be no greater tribute than to be remembered as one who cared.

So, the next time you're out shopping, remember that the most precious gift you can ever give someone is the gift of you.