During the early days after the passing of my dad in 2005, I was, naturally, feeling rather empty.

There were ‘whys’, ‘ifs’, and ‘buts’.

Then this woman inspired me.

She was a friend of my parents. I don’t really know her. In fact, I have no recollection of her name, or her face. But I remember clearly what she told me.

She said that — words roughly to this effect — I am the ‘living legacy of my parents’.

That statement, you could say, roused me into life.

Feelings of bitterness, sadness and self-pity were overcome by a burning desire to live my life filled with the good which they had taught me. Taught, not just with words, but also with their actions.

They were simple folk, but it was obvious they had touched many lives.

Now, every time I feel tempted to indulge in a bout of feeling sorry for myself, I remember the powerful words given to me by that lady.

It’s extremely difficult to say anything useful to anyone who is just beginning to come to grips with the loss of a loved one. She is one of the few who managed to, and I’m very grateful to her.

Her words help me, to a good extent, to turn memories of my loved ones from sources of burden, into sources of strength.

Popularity: 26% [?]