We wake up, get work, go back home and rinse and repeat – or at least it feels that way sometimes. In truth, there are a million moments in between where we interact with others and we can’t help but wonder what folks will think about us once we aren’t showing up, perhaps once we are gone. Some very thoughtful members of the community share their thoughts on this with us below.
Savannah Cole
It is our hope to someday be as inspiring as the people who inspired us. The main examples we can think of are the greats like Bob Ross, Jim Henson, and Mr. Rogers. We can remember specifically watching films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth on VHS. Read more>>
Shanna Toft
I hope the story people tell about me is that I led with heart and left things better than I found them — whether that was a scene, a set, or someone’s day. That I worked hard, lifted others along the way, and never stopped creating with purpose. Read more>>
Ashley Pelice
That I chose to do everything I wanted and thought of doing instead of hoping and longing for things. It’s always best to try things out instead of wondering what certain experiences are like. Read more>>
Athina Via
I hope people say that I loved deeply and lived with purpose. That I showed up for my family, my friends, and my community — even when life was hard. I hope they say I created things that made people feel seen and reminded them that beauty can come from rebuilding. Read more>>
Coach T Speaks
The story I hope people tell about me when I am gone is that I was a selfless woman. That I left a legacy of women who stepped up and stepped out of their comfort zone and stepped into their true calling and purpose. I transformed the lives of generations of families, financially, mentally, and spiritually. Read more>>
Joshua Stewart
I hope people will say that I was someone who stayed true to my creative self — that I never compromised who I was just to fit in or chase trends. I want to be remembered as someone who kept going, even when it would’ve been easier to stop. Read more>>
Michelle Glogovac
I hope people say that I stood up for others, no matter who they were, and that I used my voice to share the stories that weren’t being heard. I want to be remembered as someone who told the truth, even when it was uncomfortable, and who kept showing up — for people, for community, for what’s right. Read more>>
April Wheat
I hope people say that I made them feel something. That I brought light, love, or courage into a room, whether through music, telling stories or just through how I treated them. I hope they say I showed up fully, even when I was scared, I did it scared. And that I used whatever I’d been through to help someone else keep going. Read more>>
Lea McGilloway
I hope people say that I led with kindness and heart. That I made others feel seen, loved, and supported – both in my life and in my work. I hope they remember me as someone who showed up for her people, poured love into everything she did, and never lost her sense of humor or joy along the way. Read more>>
Margaret Stillwell
I hope people will say that I did my best in everything I did. I would hope that they look at my life and say that I was success in most of it. I would want them to know that I worked hard and enjoyed life. I want them to say that I was strong and independent, but wise and compassionate too. Read more>>
Carissa Rolle
The story that I hope people tell about me when I am gone is how passionate I am as a person. I want kids to know that they can do anything they put their mind to. Read more>>
Kelly Bennett
I hope people–my family, friends, fellow creatives–tell stories of how I supported them, how I encouraged them to strive to be their best selves. And mostly I hope they remember how much I laughed and shared love. Read more>>
Susan Yeley
I hope people remember me as a source of joy in the world–a person who felt and cared deeply, and created and reached out and held tightly to the people and ideas I value most. Read more>>
J’Kia Hart
Well, everyone has their own story to tell about someone when they are gone but the story I hope I would leave behind to tell is that “J’Kia had the HEART TO BECOME THE CHANGE for the vulnerable, making sure they were seen, heard and cared for. Read more>>
John Paul Davis
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I would like to think that people would remember me by designz and personality that comes through in my images, but as a customer told me ‘your pictures are pride and place in Florida* and other people around the world have my pictures and that’s an amazing feeling. Read more>>
ROBERTA SCHILLING
I hope people remember me as someone who devoted her life to sharing the beauty of her country with the world. For over thirty years, I’ve worked to commercialize products made by our artisans — not just to grow a business, but to give light to their craft, their culture, and their stories. Read more>>
James Owens
We all leave a wake behind us when we leave this world. All I want people to remember was that I was kind and made them laugh. If I ever cross their minds when I’m gone I hope it makes them smile a little. Read more>>
Bossy CandyBarz
When I’m gone I hope the story people tell is that I was genuine I was real I was myself and I had a good heart at all times Read more>>
Karla Talisse
I hope people say I built something that mattered, not just in business, but in the way I made others feel capable of more. That I showed what it looks like to create with integrity, to lead with vision, and to do it all without losing your authenticity or softness. Read more>>
Natacha Sochat
As a human being I am hopeful that I will be leaving many good memories to my children and grandchildren, as well as my relatives and close friends. As an artist I am hopeful that my work will be shared with the world. Any artist that still creates despite not having fame must believe in their work to keep working. Read more>>
Chynelle Priyanka Stephen
The thing I want people to remember most about me is my ability to take unconventional choices in life. Whether it was not taking up the job at GOOGLE. Whether it was choosing to be a badass mom to a specially-abled baby and working on a business at the same time. Whether it was walking out of a deep relationship, where we were never valued. Read more>>
Wanda Gaines
I sincerely hope that I will be remembered as someone who genuinely cared and cherished the time spent with others. Furthermore, I aspire to be known for my efforts in assisting others and making a positive impact, ensuring that I am not forgotten. Additionally, I hope to be remembered for my honesty, trustworthiness, and the sense of gratitude I embraced. Read more>>
Roosevelt BlackRose Taylor
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone . Is my generosity ,giving paintings to families of there fallen loved ones for free . Being the second artist in history to add art to the legacy of Mintons Play House the oldest jazz lounge in Harlem . But most of all for my fight to keep art alive in Harlem . Read more>>
Naila Francis
That I loved well and was well loved in return. Read more>>
Melanie Pensak
Melanie loved life and the wonders of the Earth. She lived for inspiring others to see the beauty in the everyday. Read more>>
Nadia Pupa
I hope people remember me as someone who gave editors a voice and a spotlight in a profession that so often works quietly behind the scenes. Through <i>The Editor’s Half Hour</i> podcast, I’ve been able to shine a light on the editorial community and the important work we do to shape stories, culture, and communication. Read more>>
