We hear the word legacy often. Ballplayers, celebrities, philanthropists, all leave legacies that we read about, know about and, very often, celebrate. We hear about legacy when we speak about transfer of wealth and life insurance. Legacy is what we all hope for, that we have touched the world in some way and generation(s) after us benefit in some way. Many feel that way with their children, that if they grow up and are good humans and build a better life than we, we have built a legacy.
How often do we know of normal non-celebrity non-sports stars leaving a real legacy though? One that has touched thousands. One that has had a ripple effect beyond imagination. A legacy that truly leaves a place better than how it was found.
Yesterday, a legacy of this magnitude was celebrated. The amazing consistency of message from each speaker during the night was a testament to the person being honored. The message was crystal clear and heartfelt. She is leaving a legacy of heart. A legacy of compassion, passion, love, support, and aligned mind and heart. Speaker after speaker spoke of her ability to develop individuals in a way that they put the constituents first and did it from a place of love. Her heart was always on display although she also could be tough when necessary. How many people do you know refuse to pay Jay-Z because he didn’t fulfill his entire contract? Tough cookie when necessary, always from a place of love.
Countless memories were discussed all leading to the same comments; “thank you, for all you did for students and me.” There was true love in the room. You could feel it. You could feel how much she is respected and admired.
The humility that was on display showcased the world many of us love, where we are not in competition but collaboration with each other. Where we do not think we are the best or the only that can do something but know that our role is to lift others. Where we think we were just doing our job and being ourselves and yet others feel as if they are a much better person for just crossing paths.
This is what was celebrated last evening. A person who leads from a place of love, open-heartedness, compassion, courage, support, integrity and positive intent. As I reflected on my 35 plus years of knowing and loving my friend, I realized just how many lessons she taught me over my career, and life.
When we both worked, we would talk work often. We would discuss situations and ways to handle things. We would discuss new assessments and consultants who could help us both. We were in different professions and different work environments and yet we had such similar experiences and situations that we could help each other and did often. She was a force in her organization and helped me become a better leader in mine.
Watching one of the people you love most in the world be showered with such love and admiration made my heart swell with appreciation and gratitude. A legacy worth celebrating and one that will have that ripple effect for years to come.
A legacy of heart…