Inspired after reading ‘The Shack,’ a novel by Canadian author William P. Young (2007), I took a hard look at my life and the lives around me. I decided I wanted to be active and engaged in the decisions that would shape and define me until my final breath.
The storyline of the Shack is such that when a family tragedy shatters their carefree existence, Mack becomes bitter and depressed, and the family starts to drift apart. Out of the blue, he receives an invitation to return to where the tragedy took place, a deserted cabin known simply as The Shack. Here, Mack blames himself for Missy’s death and his lost faith in God.
A lot is going on in the world right now, and I was grappling with how to use this space to discuss some strategies to address the intolerance that continues to cause conflicts and threaten world peace.
Although I hope that thoughts of death and dying don’t fill your every waking moment, it is a reality we will all face, so the importance of thinking about or planning for your final moments here on earth seems relevant.
In saying that, I want to acknowledge the fear and suffering, anger and frustration that many are feeling due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A war many are fighting to protect their freedom and their democracy. The United Nations’ refugee agency has said that more than 200,000 people have already fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries, with millions more expected to leave in the days and weeks ahead. The scale and scope of displacement will trigger a refugee crisis that will test response capabilities and cause significant infrastructural damage, leaving many without electricity or water and communities cut off from markets for food and other essential supplies. The current situation is dire.
Additionally, as we consider the challenges and opportunities ahead for us as we emerge from the COVID-19 global pandemic, recognizing that our lives have changed significantly as a result of the pandemic, let us be aware of the importance of not only protecting ourselves and continuing to prevent the spread of the virus, but to find compassion, empathy, and hope as we navigate the new normal.
Pivoting my thoughts a bit, I’m an adventurist or risk-taker occasionally, and I travel a lot for business and pleasure. Perhaps that’s why, once I became a mother, I put some thought into my final wishes, both for my family and myself.
An overview of this includes: Designating Godparents for my children; Signing my organ donor card(s); Drafting a will; Discussing final wishes with my family, which included deliberating whether I wanted to be buried or cremated, what kind of memorial service I wanted, and most importantly, how I was going to live my life from this moment on to leave a legacy that would motivate, inspire and benefit others.
I believe that some of one’s legacy begins with one’s ancestry. For example, my dad is a ‘whittler.’ He whittles. He has sculpted or carved the stories and visual interpretations of life’s events into pieces of wood throughout my life. So without even a moment’s hesitation, I decided I wanted my dad to ‘whittle’ my life’s story onto my cremation box.
The reality is though; I’m not dead or dying… yet. But at some point, I will be – and God willing, I still have a long life ahead of me. But maybe my dad doesn’t. Hence, I’ve decided to have him carve away on half my box, noting that ‘my life isn’t over yet. I’ve asked him to keep carving on half the box ‘til he is no longer able. I’ve decided that however unprecedented this is, it’s my life, my last wishes, and part of the legacy my dad will leave behind and live on through me and with me.
What legacy will you be leaving behind?
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Jacqueline Biollo is a seasoned relationship builder and dedicated collaborator with proven expertise leading government and public relations functions, implementing comprehensive strategies, and in collaboration with stakeholders, advancing strategic objectives. The sentiment ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ is particularly poignant of Jacqueline’s relationship with her dad, Gordon, as they share many similar qualities and talents.
