Lifetime Memories

I have done more death notifications than any one person should have to do in a

lifetime. Sadly, and in a few brief seconds with very few words, the course of a family’s

life would change for a lifetime. I deeply struggled, and sometimes still do, with each one

but did not let on so as to maintain military bearing in honor of the departed soldier, and

to show heartfelt compassion to the grieving family in a non-stoic, unhardened way.

To some I was the devil personified, and to others a compassionate and

comforting shoulder to cry on. Some wanted me to walk them through the particulars of

the soldiers’ final moments of this life, while others wanted me to walk with them down

memory lane from birth or adoption to passing, from first date to final goodbye. So, you

can understand why my concept of Memorial Day is somewhat different than most. My

day is filled with honoring the memories of those that gave their last full measure of

devotion, and of whispering heartfelt prayers for those whose lives I was part of changing

forever.

In all, through these life experiences, I learned the most valuable lesson that every

leader should remember. I became well aware that memories are pictures painted on the

canvases of people’s hearts, and that it is paramount to paint these pictures well because

pictured memories are all that people have and hold at the end of it all. The memories we

leaders render will either paint lasting pictures of heavenly experiences or lamenting

pictures of hellish encounters. This is the choice of every leader, choose well.

For this reason, and as a leader, I challenge myself daily to paint memories that

will Honor, Encourage, Affirm, Value, Embrace, and Nourish, those I am privileged to

lead while building lasting memories together. I guess one could call that a little taste of

“heaven” on earth.” Talk about a lasting legacy, what will yours be?