ETCH YOUR MEMORIES ON HEARTS, NOT TOMBSTONES

I recently attended a memorial service for a friend of mine.  During the service, my friend was repeatedly described as having character and being very generous.  He did not need to have credit for what he achieved over his lifetime as he was happy to have others get this recognition.  Someone else, in describing my friend, mentioned that he "etched his memories on hearts and not his tombstone."  They elaborated by saying that valuing and spending time developing relationships with others is what defines a life worth living.  

I had to travel a long way to attend my friend's memorial service and I am glad that I did.  I only wish that I had kept up with our friendship better.  But, thanks to my friend and the way he lived his life, I am now committed to put more time into relationships as well as my family.