Remember Me | Filed under General
Have you ever thought about how people will remember you when you are not here, I have and here are some lyrics from a Diana Ross song that have stuck with me.
Remember me as a sunny day
That you once had along the way
Didn’t I inspire you a little higher
Remember me as a funny clown
That made you laugh when you were down
Remember me as a big balloon
At a carnival that ended too soon
Remember me as a breath of spring
Remember me as a good thing
Hearing those words got me thinking immediately about how I want to be remembered. I love the image of being remembered as a “big balloon,” and I pictured myself saying those words to people whom I know and love. The question that came to mind was pretty obvious: Would I be justified in telling people to remember me that way? After all, if they see me as rude and obnoxious (and I hope not!), then what are the chances that they’re going to see me as a “breath of spring”?
And those thoughts led to others: How do I have to act each day in order to get people to remember me this way? What do I have to do? How do I have to treat people?
I’m not a very funny person, usually, so for me to act in ways that would get people to remember me as a clown that made them laugh would be unrealistic. But I am a compassionate person, so perhaps I should focus on acting in ways that would allow me to ask people to “Remember me as a caring soul.”
Remember me when you drink the wine
Of sweet success and I gave you my best
Remember me with every song you sing
Remember me as a good thing
Remember me as a sunny day
Please darling, remember me as a good thing
Remember me when you drink the wine
Remember me as a good thing
Remember me as a big balloon
We all will be remembered. We won’t be on people’s minds twenty-four hours a day every day, but things will happen in people’s lives that will suddenly remind them of us, and they’ll think back to times they spent with us. Do we want them to think, “Boy, I’m glad she isn’t here any more!” or do we want them to think more pleasant thoughts?
Personally, I see this song as a huge part of how I want to spend my life here on this planet. I can’t tell someone “remember me as a sunny day” if all I do is act gloomy or angry all the time. I can’t ask my family to remember me as a fair and loving person if I’m arbitrary and judgmental. I can’t say to my spouse, “Remember me as a breath of spring” if I always carried around with me the cold and darkness of a mid-winter ice storm.
Whenever I’m with people, I have decisions to make about how I act and things I say and do. The results of those decisions are going to determine how people remember me later on today, tomorrow, and five years from now. I have patterns of behavior, and people will remember me based on those patterns. Even if I have a down day, people will remember me as a bright part of their lives if I carry brightness with me most of the time.
I may die this afternoon, I may die tomorrow, or I may die fifty years from now–it’s not for me to say. But when I go, I’ll be leaving people behind, and I’ll be leaving with them the only legacy that really matters when it comes to my life–the memories of who I was and what I contributed to their lives. My loved ones aren’t gardens–they don’t need me to rain on their parades. They will thrive and open up much more if I’m able to give them the positive side of who I am, the friendship and encouragement and love that they have the right to expect from me. How will they remember me? That’s up to me–right here, and right now. Hopefully, they’ll remember me as a good thing.
Remember Me is a very special title right now for our family needs your continued prayers for Kristin. She is now in Pediatric Intensive Care has been taken off the vent and off the IV sedation but remains unresponsive to anything but pain. So we wait day by day in hopes she will come out of the coma and respond normally but that is not truly what we expect but we know the power of prayer.
March 22nd, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Your post hits home with me, as a mother I constantly think about how my actions shape not only how my children will remember me, but what they will become themselves.
More prayers for Kristin and her family, you included.
March 22nd, 2005 at 4:49 pm
you got it .my prayers are there.
March 22nd, 2005 at 5:22 pm
All the prayers my thoughts can pray.
One of those days I wish we were closer.
March 22nd, 2005 at 5:38 pm
It’s not foe me to say, I remember that song from yesterday! Your family is in my prayers!
March 22nd, 2005 at 5:48 pm
Sending *HUGS*, love and prayers your way.
That poem was really beautiful!
March 22nd, 2005 at 6:45 pm
You will be remembered for so many good things, Vickie. Your heart, your sweet spirit, your giving nature and your friendship.
A great post.
Kristin and you all are in my prayers.
**hugss**
March 22nd, 2005 at 9:18 pm
Cool song, touching, memorable…
You, dear lady, are a soul filled with goodness. You are a positive life force filled with generosity and kindness, to be remembered for your indomitable spirit.
Continued prayers for Kristin and family.
March 22nd, 2005 at 10:02 pm
Beautiful song. All of us have to leave this place sometime. What we can do is make a mark during our time here.
Kristin is in my prayers.
March 22nd, 2005 at 11:32 pm
Sending thoughts and strength your way for Kristin and the family (all of you). Take care.
March 23rd, 2005 at 5:20 am
My dear friend, I think all of us would want to be remembered in a certain fond way. And hopefully in the best good way possible, as you said.
Thoughts and prayers coming your way for your dear Kristin. Yes, I believe in the power of prayers. And I believe in what you believe: Life is Simply Good. If not now, then the current challenges serve as stepping stones to what we always know.
Love,
C.
March 23rd, 2005 at 6:06 am
I know how I’d like to be remembered, but unfortunately some won’t even KNOW me that way…. little sigh….. oh well, those that are important will….
Prayers for you and for Kristin.
Love, the Cowboy Poet xxxxxxx
March 23rd, 2005 at 8:37 am
Prayers for Kristin. I’m sure you’ll be remembered as a warm and passionate person.
March 23rd, 2005 at 11:07 am
One of the reasons I love reading your blog every morning with my coffee is the way that you can bring about something positive to ponder and carry with me through the day.
Another wonderful post, as I embark about my errands and interactions with the people I love most in the world. How will they remember the moments we shared and me during those times?
My prayers are with Kristin. There is immense power in prayer. My oldest daughter is my ‘witnessed’ miracle in the power of prayer….May God Bless you all.
March 23rd, 2005 at 1:47 pm
Thank you for giving me some positive words to think about for the rest of the day. I will try to send Kirsten and her family tons of positive energy Hugs to you. xo
March 23rd, 2005 at 6:07 pm
That’s a beautiful song. Kristen, you and your family are in my prayers.
March 23rd, 2005 at 9:02 pm
She’s in my thoughts. The idea of legacy and rememberance have been on my mind lately too.
March 24th, 2005 at 10:36 pm
Wow, we really are on the same wave length. I had not read this post prior to writing mine.
Kristin and her loved ones are in my prayers.
March 25th, 2005 at 7:08 pm
Good evening, Victoria. I dropped by to see if there was an update on Kristin. I wish for her & the family an Easter miracle. You all remain in my prayers.