A DILEMMA

How long should I leave these beautiful, grimey little fingerprints? It’s painful to remove them, truly. They belong to my grandchildren and evoke much joy as I remember the fun and frivolities of their visit.

I suspect most of us want to leave a mark to show where we’ve been, even if it’s nothing more than a plaque or a tombstone. I suspect none of us want to depart this planet without a trace. Ever think of what you might be remembered for? Sometimes I wonder what will be written on my grave.

I spent my last day in primary school, collecting autographs from friends; a simple signature, to later, trigger childhood memories. I still have them in my autograph book. My mother jumped in on the act too. She chose to scribe Etienne de Grellet’s famous quote:

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

Eventually I’ll remove my grandchildren’s marks, but their unique and beautiful prints will always stay within me.