The Legacy

Legacy. That's a big word with an even bigger meaning. When we leave this earth, we leave behind the memories of us. But bigger than memories is the legacy. The impact. I think all people want to be remembered. But beyond just the memories we hope to have made a difference, a change, an influence on this world.

Haddie has done just that. We know that people will not forget her. Partly because of how awesome she was...and partly because we have no intentions of letting that legacy go. God gave us a miracle in Haddie and it wasnt just at her birth...it was her life. She blessed us in so many ways...and so we in turn hope to continue that blessing. You all have helped with that.

The Haddie fund has reached $5000. Thank you to all who contributed! That fund will be combined with another fund at our church and will be used to bless people in the future. Exactly how, we aren't sure yet. Kate and I have been placed on a committee with some other folks at church and we will meet soon to discuss all of that. I will keep you updated as time goes on.

Last week we went to Lifeline of Ohio in Columbus for an event. When Haddie passed they asked if we'd be willing to let her be an organ donor. We felt that would be a good thing to do. They were able to use her eyes, a heart valve, and her ribs to help other kids in need. Because of that, Lifeline of Ohio has honored Haddie by putting a rose in her name on the Lifeline float in the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day. They will also put her name on a memorial outside of their Columbus headquarters. That means a lot to us.

Kate also had a great idea to bless Haddie's classmates. Haddie love kindergarten and they loved her. She made a huge impact at Belpre Elementary. Kate came across a wonderful children's book called "God Gave Us Heaven" by  Lisa Tawn Bergren. It's a wonderful book that explains what heaven is like to kids. And it's not just a fluffy kids version. It does an awesome job of explaining what we actually know about heaven and how we get there. I highly recommend it! Kate decided each kid in Haddie's class should get one. Her teacher, who goes to our church, was cool with that. We were able to take that a step further. She let us come in and read the book during story-time to the kids. Yesterday was amazing. Kate did a fantastic job reading to these children. They made us feel good by commenting on how they missed Haddie. We put her picture on the inside cover in her memory. The kids thanked us and gave us hugs. We walked away feeling full. We are grateful that God has given us this story. We're so glad God gave us heaven.

Live in such a way to leave a legacy. But not just a legacy that is all about you. Make it be a legacy that points people to the love of God. Haddie's whole life was an up arrow. When you looked at her life, you saw God's hand. You saw how he could take something small and make it big. You saw how he could speak through someone without words. You saw Him take someone who couldn't move on their own to move others. The question for us is this...are we doing the same? Are you an up arrow?

What will your legacy be?