How Much Do You Know About Your Loved Ones From Their Perspective?

As I rise this morning, my heart still sad over this past week's tragedy, I am haunted by the glaring reminder that all of us are vulnerable to losing our lives in an instant, often without having had the chance to communicate to our loved ones the essence of who we really are from our own perspective. Most likely, eulogies and memories of our lives will someday be drawn from accomplishments seen by or evaluations made through the eyes of our survivors.

My gut tells me our loved ones will treasure memories of us even more one day if we take the time to make our own contributions to those memories while we are still here. What if a mom or a brother or a grandpa had spent time asking one of these dear lost children what she knew about her world and recording her messages: her favorite aroma, song, food; her favorite time of day, the first thing she remembered in her life; something she felt she was good at; what she thought was the best part of being a kid; her definitions of kindness, love, and fun? They would have helped her make a huge contribution to her own legacy. And she could have edited those thoughts as she matured and experienced more of the world.

If I someday lose one of you, I want to remember you from YOUR perspective. I want to remember so much more than your external achievements. I want to remember what made you tick, what was important to you, and how you felt you contributed to the universe as a person while you were here. That's what I see as a true legacy.

So during this Christmas season, I'm going to practice my beliefs. I'll find a fun way to have a conversation with my loved ones about some of the above subjects. Perhaps we will make a game of it around the dinner table, where we write our thoughts about various subjects on slips of paper, and then guess who belongs to each thought. Afterwards, I'll save a file for each person and continue to collect their thoughts as time goes on.

How about you? Can you find a way to collect all that is memorable from your loved ones while they are alive and well and contributing to this precious thing called life? Blessed Holidays to you and those you love!

Lasting Story: Kindness Means . . .

Suggestions: Let's dig into a little bit of your personal wisdom. No matter how young or old you are, you've gained wisdom through your life experiences. A way to start sharing that wisdom is to try to express what Kindness means to you. If you had to explain it to a child or grandchild, how would you tell them about it? What are the ways that kindness was expressed to you? How important do you think it is to a well-rounded life? Share your take on the subject in a way that's memorable to both you and your loved ones.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

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Lasting Story: A Song to Play with Me in Mind

Suggestions: Is there a song out there in the world of music that defines you as a person? Is there a special song, when all is said and done, that others would associate with you, making them smile when they think of you? Is it the same song you would pick for yourself? Have you carried a certain song with you as your "theme song" throughout your life thus far? Is there a song that you love far more than any other? Describe the feelings you have about this song and why it is important to you. Share this information with your loved ones so they know how you feel about it. Find out which songs others consider special to them.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: The School Day I Remember Most

Suggestions: Most people can pinpoint a school day in their lives that stood out above the rest. Which day stood out for you? Was it a day of discovery or excitement or inspiration? Was it a day of sadness or disappointment? What do you remember about that day, and how did it impact your life? What would you like your loved ones to take away from your experience on that day?

**For me, it was a sad day, the day JFK was assassinated. I was in a junior high school class when the announcement came over the intercom. Teachers and students alike were reduced to shock and tears. Friends became hysterical while others became soothing caretakers. Parents and relatives sobbed in front of their TVs for days. The wounds to a beloved president cut deeply into the trust and innocence of my youth. But they taught me how shared grief and compassion can heal heavy hearts.**

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: The Best Part of Being a Kid

Suggestions: As you write your Lasting Story, don't forget to include an entry describing what you most loved about being a kid. Was it the freedom you felt? Perhaps it was a special friendship you had or an attachment to where you lived. Or maybe it was the thrill you felt as you experienced new things. Write about the precious childhood moments that will always remain in your heart. Share your thoughts with your loved ones.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

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Lasting Story: The Person I Would Most Like to Meet (Living or Deceased)

Suggestions: If given the opportunity, which person would you like to meet more than anyone else in the world? Would you like to go back in time and talk to an historical figure? Would you like to meet a present-day individual whom you admire? Talk about meeting this person . . . what you would say to him/her, and why he/she stands above the rest in your eyes. Share your thoughts with your loved ones.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Gifts: How I'm Most Like My Parents

Suggestions: Which of your parent(s') traits have you absorbed in unmistakable ways? Have you picked up their humor or sarcasm? Have you followed their spiritual or charitable paths? Do you carry any of their bad habits with you? Do you relate to people in ways similar to your parents?

Good or bad, talk about your behaviors as compared to those of your parent(s) and how much their examples have influenced your life, especially if you've never before considered the subject.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Books That Have Influenced Me

Suggestions: What are the books that have impacted your life? Are they biographies, books of a spiritual or inspirational nature, those that have introduced you to factual subjects about which you would never have otherwise known, or those that have taught you some valuable lessons? Are they whimsical in nature, those that have made you laugh or cry, or those that have sparked your inner creativity? Are they classics that have touched your heart in a special way?

When Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy passed on, her son announced to the press that, "My mother died surrounded by her friends and her family and her books, and the people and the things that she loved." Wouldn't it be nice if each of us had a collection of books that impacted us so much that they deserved to bear witness to such an important event in our lives?

Write about those books. Make record of your feelings about them. Your loved ones may someday appreciate knowing about them.

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Mentors: The Best Teacher I've Ever Had

Suggestions: Write about the teacher/mentor who stands above the rest as a positive influence in your life. Is he/she a person you actually know . . . a schoolteacher, a family member, or someone in your community? Is she someone you've never met . . . the author of a book you love, a public figure, or someone from history?

What is it about this person that has touched your life in a meaningful way . . . the wisdom of her words, or perhaps the example of how she has lived her life? Is it the personal connection you feel with this person, or the kind of energy she exudes?

If at all possible, give your best teacher the accolades he/she deserves for the influence she has had on your life. Send her a thank you note or a copy of the story you will write about this subject. Express your gratitude to this person now, while opportunity is alive for both of you. If that's not possible, think of your own unique way to pay tribute to this person. After all, he/she has helped make you the unique individual you are today.


You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: Favorite Time of Day

Have you been good about continuing your Lasting Story? Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject.

Suggestions: If you haven't already done so, examine your routine day and select the time of day that stands out above the rest as your favorite. Is it early morning before the day's activities begin, when your mind is fresh? Is it late at night when the chores are done, everyone's tucked in, and you finally have a moment to yourself? Is it at the height of your busy schedule, when you feel you are most accomplished or productive? Is it during a meal when your family is actually gathered in the same place at the same time?

Write about it. Describe its importance to you. Make it an element of your Lasting Story, a small tidbit that adds to the total picture of who you are.

Share the information with your loved ones so they are aware of its importance to you. Remember to ask them about their favorite time of day as well. It will help you gain a greater understanding of who they are.


You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Favorites: Foods That Feed My Soul!

Have you been good about continuing your Lasting Story? Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject.

Suggestions: Which foods are your very favorites at this moment in your life? Have any of them been favorites as long as you can remember? Are any of the foods new to your list? Did you find it necessary to acquire a taste for any of the foods that are now your favorites? Is there a food item that stands above the rest? Does it have special meaning attached to it? Is it your guilty pleasure? Tell the story of the foods that hold a special place in your life!

You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

The First Thing I Remember in My Life

Let's continue writing your Lasting Story! Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject.

Suggestions:
It's time to dig through all those cobwebs in your brain (even if you're a young person) to see if you can retrieve your very first memory. Chances are, that memory was a significant event in your life. For this writer, it was of standing in a hospital room next to the cribs of my newborn twin brother and sister when I was three years old. For my mom, it was of standing next to a young family friend for a picture taking session. She was dressed in an extra pair of his overalls because she had wet her pants just before the session. She was two at the time. She's 86 now.

Once you retrieve that memory, describe the feelings that arose from the incident and why you think it stayed with you all these years. Unless the story is traumatic in some way, share it with your loved ones. It adds one more fascinating fact that might otherwise have been overlooked to your overall legacy.


You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

The Most Meaningful Gift I Ever Received

Let's continue writing your Lasting Story! Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject.

Suggestions:
At some point during your life to date, has someone given you a gift that meant a great deal to you, that added significance to your life? Was it a physical gift? Was it in the form of a gesture, spoken words, time shared, a message or quote? Was it something that made you feel joy or gratitude? Or did it initially cause you pain that eventually led you to a better place? Talk about the gift. Talk about the person who gave it to you. And, most importantly, describe how the gift was meaningful to you.


You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: I'm Really Good At . . .

Let's continue writing your Lasting Story! Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject.

Suggestions:
Go ahead! Admit it! No matter who you are, you have gifts (or flaws) you can't ignore. Maybe you have a good singing voice or an artistic hand; maybe you're good with words or making others smile; perhaps you have a natural sports agility or the consistent talent of running into doorknobs; perhaps you have an instinct for creating fabulous food or a knack for wearing mismatched socks. Record the admissions you are willing to share with others, those that show your strengths and those that show your human side. Have fun with your admissions, and allow yourself to take a lighthearted look at yourself. Paint a fun picture for others to enjoy, the picture as you see it!


You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: Things That Allow Me to Get Lost in Time

Let's continue writing your Lasting Story! Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject. You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Suggestions:
What are some things or activities that feed your soul, that transport you to another place, where time doesn't matter and all is at peace? Does music transport you? Do you escape in the stories of books or movies? Does practicing a faith or being in nature take you there? Does a hobby or a creative activity feed that place in your soul? Perhaps sharing ideas about this subject with loved ones would give them further insight into who you are, and encourage them to give you space to fully experience all that gives you moments of peace. Add this entry to your Lasting Story!

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "Post a Comment" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: If you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

Lasting Story: Favorites…That Feed My Senses

Let's start writing your Lasting Story! Below, you will find suggestions for writing about the above subject. You may develop your own format for writing about this subject, or you may use the handy MS Word Lasting Story Template that lives within the Heaven's Wait website at http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html. It includes guidelines to help you write your stories in a consistent format and file them in an efficient manner.

Suggestions:
Give your loved ones an initial peek at who you are through the smells or aromas that are most meaningful to you. How do they make you feel? What memories do they bring to mind? What do they mean in the bigger picture of your life?

Sight, sound, taste, smell, touch! The five senses! Have you ever given thought to their relevance in your life? Have you ever shared those thoughts with the important people in your life? Think about the following questions and answer them in the same way you described smells. You just might discover something about yourself that you didn't know. Share your answers with your loved ones. They will likely discover something about you too. If you do not possess all five senses, imagine what your answers would be if you did possess them, or describe how you feel about not having them.

What do you most like to look at?
What are the sounds you most like to hear?
What are your favorite tastes or flavors?
What do you most like to touch?

Visit the Heaven's Wait website for the accumulated Lasting Story Write Guide at: http://www.heavenswait.com/WriteHW.html

To receive Lasting Story Writing Alerts, join the Heaven's Wait Email Alert List at: http://www.heavenswait.com/FormEmailList.aspx

Has this subject prompted a discussion between you and your family or friends? You are welcome to share your thoughts or conversations by commenting in one of two places:

1. Click on "comments" below this Lasting Story blog post. Note: As we move forward, if you would like to go back and comment on a previous post, click on Lasting Story under Subject Blogs in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then scroll down to the subject on which you wish to comment.

2. Facebook users, see Heaven's Wait's Page, http://www.facebook.com/heavenswait. Comment under the Status entry for this Lasting Story subject in the timeline. Scroll down to comment on previous subjects.

I look forward to hearing about your conversations.

Barbara

Design Your Lasting Story

Today, I'm going to delve into new territory with my blog. From now on, I hope to devote my Friday posts to sharing food for thought in the area of writing your own Lasting Story, one that the universe deserves to know about the unique part you've played in its ever-evolving human saga.

As I am writing the stories of Heaven's Wait, I am including a storyline in which R.J. works with the Vowellans to make sure they record their thoughts and messages about the part they are playing in their world. That way, future generations of Vowellans will have a clear view of their heritage and their contributions to the greater good. Wouldn't it be great if we all participated in this practice?

Whether you're ten or ninety, the possibility exists that you might not be here tomorrow. Have you ever given thought to the things you want to make sure your family and friends remember about the person you are, once your life journey has ended? I'm not talking about things you've done or accumulated, but instead things that feed your soul, things you've learned, things you've been inspired to share.

As long as I can remember, I've believed that our legacies will have much more relevance to our loved ones and the rest of the world if we are the ones who are active in designing them. I know that when my last day arrives, I want to feel at peace that I've communicated my true essence, as I see it, to the rest of the world, and that my legacy is something tangible that can be passed along and enjoyed by others, especially my loved ones.

Writing a Lasting Story can be an exercise for the entire family. It doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to be a lot of work. Think about how wonderful it would be if you really understood the true essence of the children in your lives, and they understood the same about you. Surely, there are things that you've never before thought to know about them. It's possible for all family members (and various other groups) to write now, keeping in mind that whatever they write may be updated at any time.

So . . . my goal is to share writing ideas with you on Fridays. I hope you'll stop by so, together, we can create Lasting Stories for ourselves and/or our family members. This coming Friday, I'll suggest the first subject and present more details so you can begin this new journey.