The Importance of Creating Your Legacy

As a second-generation Italian American, I grew up with two sets of Sicilian Grandparents.  I would hear some of their stories of the difficult passage to America and the long and hard assimilation process to become proud American citizens.  They shared what freedom, opportunity and the American dream represented for their children and future generations.

Sadly, they all passed along with my father before I would begin the arduous 3-year dual citizenship process.  When I asked my mother questions about relatives, places, and events from our past, many of them were met with an “I don’t know.”  And yet, there was so much I wanted to know about my past or why certain places and things seemed so familiar to me.  I wondered how come these ordinary “extraordinary” people had not written or shared more of their stories for the next generation.  There was so much unspoken legacy – many of my values, the people and things and places that stir my heart.

I then decided to begin my mother’s story in earnest.  After all, she is the most incredible human being who is compassionate, loving, selfless, and courageous.  Yet, someone like my mother does not think of the incredible value and legacy of her life or what it means to her children.

So, I asked her questions beginning with her earliest memories and then many questions I had asked people throughout my life to get to know them and understand their lives through their eyes.

Thankfully, my mother is still with us, we continue to work on her story, and I continue to ask questions.  These will turn into her, “My Magnus Opus” book which I will make copies of for all her children and grandchildren so that her beautiful legacy will live on forever.  And then, there’s the added bonus of her marveling at her story.

I think it is so very important to create your legacy.  One day, we will all leave this world.  Those who love us will ask more questions about our lives.  “My Magnus Opus” is the wonderful gift you will be able to leave to carry on your story forever.

That is why it is so important to create your own Magnus Opus --the greatest story you will ever tell.  It will be your legacy that your children will share for generations.