Wanting to be Remembered

We have no control over whether or not we’ll be remembered by anyone, nor do we have any control over how we’ll be remembered. The only control we have is to live our lives in such a way that we’ll leave a memorable impression. 

Sometimes, I’m remembered by some of my students from days gone by. They’ll see me in public as was the case the other day. While walking along a street market, a young lady came up to me and asked, “Are you Miss Luikens?” 

“Yes, I said with a smile. Remind me of your name.”

“I’m Leena. I was one of your fourth grade students.”

“Oh yes.”

I asked how old she was now and what grade she was in and thanked her for remembering me.

Little encounters like that make my heart beat with gratitude; I’m remembered because I somehow left a good impression with Leena; enough of one to be remembered by her.

In my twelve years of attending public school, I remember only three of my teachers; Sister George, Mr. George and Mr. D.

Their names and faces remain with me because of something they said or did. 

Sister George, my fifth grade teacher, had a motto that she lived and taught by; “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.” 

Mr. George, my sixth grade environmental living teacher told me, “You will always be able to adapt to your environment.”

Finally, Mr. D., my high school science teacher, fanned my nearly extinguished flame for learning. By the time I’d reached my sophomore year in high school, I’d skipped more classes than I attended, almost to the point of dropping out. But I never skipped any of his classes. 

Then there are the relatives and friends who left lasting impressions. My grandma’s more than my grandpa’s because I spent more time with my grandma’s. 

Impressions of my dad’s gentle words are easier for me to recall than the impressions Mom left. And yet, I’m surprised by the enduring images that occasionally surface of my mom. 

The elderly clients I served as an in-home health care worker left their impressions too.  Mr. C., a retired engineer with fascinating stories of his world wide travels and Carly, the zealous paraplegic university student pursuing a degree in education. 

Impressionable impressions are powerful and worth remembering.

Why Bother?

Why bother wanting to be remembered? Who wants to be forgotten? Our time here is brief, but the impressions we leave behind in the lives of others will last a little longer. 

  P. S.  I wrote the story of my journey to forgiveness for those who need clarity when it comes to understanding forgiveness. You can find A Heart’s Journey To Forgiveness at Redemption Press and Amazon.