Creating Your Legacy

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Have you ever taken a moment to think about your life’s purpose?  What will your legacy be?  A few years ago, I was asked that very question and my response was simple, “I hope to offer help to those that need it. To make someone’s life a little easier.”

Mom mid age

My 90 year old mom passed away on December 27th, 2015 after a 10 day intensive care unit stay at our local hospital.  I know that I fulfilled a small part of my legacy during those 10 days and for that, I am grateful. I was very close to my mom and very much like her in many ways.  I feel very fortunate that I work in health care and can provide help to others in need in my work life.  It was my hope in starting this blog that I could broaden my ability to help many and have spent many long hours in an effort to do so.

As we start the new year, with a clean slate, I thought I would share a few pearls of wisdom from my amazing mother, Dorothy: mom of 9 children ( I am the baby), neighborhood mom, artist, grandmother, great grandma, teacher and friend.

  • A warm washcloth on sad, tear-filled eyes always makes you feel a little better.
  • Patience is a virtue.  Never rush–it only leads to problems and car accidents.
  • When you give a gift, select something personal. (Hand-made gifts are the best.)
  • Be there for your children.  ( I was so fortunate that my Mom and Mother-in-law watched all three of my kids when I worked part-time when they were little).
  • Be true to yourself.
  • If you make a promise to someone, be sure you can fulfill it.
  • Always have a few treats on hand in case someone stops by.
  • A little vanilla ice cream everyday is okay.

Please bear with me, while I regroup, grieve, hug my kids, thank my husband for being the best support system anyone could ask for, and get back into my work groove. I hope you can hug those you love, spend time where it matters, and define your legacy…and live your life with intention.

 

30 replies on “Creating Your Legacy“

  • Sarah

    Very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written post. You are making such a difference for people like me. 🙂

  • Barb Harris

    So sorry for your loss. My mother passed away 3 years ago, and I miss her terribly. You definitely are
    making a difference in my life already!

  • Sheila Foulds

    May you find peace each day going forward with the lessons your mother has taught you. Beautifully said.

  • Lorraine

    God bless Dorothy. Sure sounds like a great woman. You are a lucky girl, Kate. You and your family are in my prayers.

  • Rhiannon

    So sorry for your loss, Kate.

    Thank you for sharing your loving tribute and inspirational message. Your Mom would be so proud of you, I am sure, as you are effecting VERY positive change in my life–& that of many others too.

    Sending you healing thoughts and gratitude,
    Rhiannon

  • Sandy

    I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing Kate. She lives on through you <3
    May you and your family find peace and comfort during this time.
    Sandy

  • Dede Wilson

    Lovely tribute, Kate. This post was celebratory, meaningful and fuel for thought. Thank you. I am sure your mother knew what a caring woman you are and indeed your legacy has begun and continues.

  • Crystal Witte

    I am very sorry about your mom’s passing. However, it is very special that you two had a close relationship! So glad you were able to help take care of her in her last days on earth. May the good memories ring loudly in your heart and mind!

  • Christine

    Dear Kate,
    I am very sorry for you loss. The love you feel for your mother and the gratefulness come out so clearly in your wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing it. I found your Blog three years ago. It was a huge turning point in my life, I did not feel abandoned and an outsider anymore with IBS and SIBO, I learned that I can still eat not only something, but also sth. delicious. Every Tuesday I am waiting for your new post and I tell doctors and everybody in need about you and your wonderful work! Take your time to mourn, crying is healthy and you know about the warm washcloth 🙂 All the best for you and your family.

  • Jenni Oliver

    What a beautiful post, what a loving tribute to your mom, Kate. Beyond the information, recipes and tips, I’ ‘ve always found your column wise, kind and compassionate, and I’ve loved reading it. Take all the quiet reflection you need- your mom is smiling and loving you more than ever. We do too. Blessings in the new year to you and yours.

  • Wendy

    This is a lovely tribute to your mother. Know you are fulfilling your life’s purpose.
    My mother passes away some years ago, her birthday is New Year’s day. On both, the day she passed and her birthday we try to make those days a day of celebration of her life.
    Like my mother, your mother sounds very wise, and a terrific mother.
    Now, take care of you.

  • Marilyn

    Kate, my heart goes out to you during this time. Thank you for sharing your loving thoughts, the admirable characteristics and advice from your Mom as well as the beautiful photo. Having lost my Mom to whom I was very close a few years back, I found it so helpful to write letters to her after she was gone. It is something that continues to this day. Let me add an Amen to all those who have said confirmed that you have helped them in their journey with SIBO and understanding the FODMAP elimination “diet”. Rest assured, your Mother is proud. Thank you and do what you need to do for you and your family.

  • catrin jonsson

    What a beautiful post and tribute to your mother, and such wise wise words too, and the photo is gorgeous. Wishing you and your family peace and love during this time of grief.

  • Helen Ames

    Kate, You are a brave soul penning such eloquent words at a time of such profound grief and loss. I marvel at your ability to find and express sentiments that so nicely convey the respect, love and admiration you had for your mum. What a comfort it must have been to her to have you with her on her final journey, as hard as it must have been. Doubling challenging experiencing this so close to Christmas.

    I hope you find strength and solace in remembering all the good times you shared and how you enriched each other’s lives. Your mother would have been very proud of all your accomplishments…….and for being simply who you are. But then, the apple never falls far from the tree! Without a doubt…..the world would be a better place if we had more people like your mum……and you! Sincerely, Helen

  • Sally Crusan

    It’s clear your mother was a very special woman and you take after her. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time.

  • Alexia Hall

    Thank you so much for taking time to share your beautiful thoughts of your Mom. She lives on through you. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • Rosemary Dennis

    Beautiful words or wisdom. Your mum looked lovely. Take care and know that they never leave you really – they stay with you forever.

  • Kathy

    I only recently discovered your blog and have already found it to be so informative and helpful. Rest assured that you are already well on your way to leaving a very profound legacy to all of those whom you’ve helped. So sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing this lovely and heartfelt tribute to your mom.

  • Emily Haller

    Hi Kate,
    I just saw this blog post, I am so very sorry for your loss. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your posts are always sincere and helpful; even during the saddest of times you shed light and positivity by sharing your mothers admirable characteristics and advice.
    You are in my prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Emily

  • Alexandra

    Hi Kate,
    I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your mother’s wisdom and please know that your website, advice, and recipes have been a wonderful help for me. I wish you and your family much strength during this difficult time.
    Best wishes,
    Alexandra

  • Contented Belly

    Hi Kate,
    I am very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your mother’s wisdom and please know that your website, advice, and recipes have been a wonderful help for me. I wish you and your family much strength during this difficult time.
    Best wishes,
    Alexandra

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