Throughout this journey of life, we all share one thing in common: At one point, the journey ends for us and all that remains are the memories we leave for our friends and families. The memories they will cherish. The memories that will wrap them in a warm blanket when they’re lonely and punch them in the gut when they least expect it.

Like that summer you started to fix up an old boat and decided a good name for it would be the “S.S. Renaissance.” Or the time you stayed up late singing your Bella choir songs after a big high school football victory on a cool Friday night last Fall. Or the look on your face when your little girl won Miss America. Those moments that seem like just another day in this journey of life are the moments your family and friends will relive over and over again after you’re gone.

Nobody knew that you would never finish the S.S. Renaissance and that it is now sitting in a beautiful wooded area where your shooting star flies across the night sky for special people to see.

Nobody knew that your last day on Earth would be the same week as your Junior prom and that all of your friends would wear blue in your honor because it was your favorite color.

Nobody knew that you would leave two beautiful, intelligent and extremely successful daughters suddenly just before Fathers Day.

We fear the pain of losing those close to us and often remind ourselves to take care of the moments that could be our last with them. But instead of being selfish with our time, we need to remember to leave our legacy with those who will need it most. We must remember that every chance encounter, every run-in at the local tavern, every slumber party, family get-together and work softball game is an opportunity for you to leave a memory that will last a lifetime. And not just your lifetime, every person who loved you and continue to love you should you leave this Earth before them. Give them the memories they deserve. Give them the moments to hold on to when they’re searching for answers during the toughest days and the stories to tell when they’re sitting around the pool on a summer day laughing at the memories you gave to them.

Because the journey of life is inevitable. We live. We love. And then we lose those loved ones. Do not concentrate on the destination, when it is your journey they will remember most.

In loving memory of those we've loved, lost and remember every single day. In loving memory of those who are now with us every step of the way on our journey while on Earth.