When my Grandpa John passed away at the age of 98, we gathered to honor him at his memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. As I stood there listening to the stories of his life, I realized something powerful: the measure of a life isn’t what we accumulate—it’s what we leave behind.
Grandpa John left a legacy that continues to inspire me every day. He lived with courage, saving lives during WWII and earning the Bronze Star for his bravery. But more than that, he lived with purpose. He built a life filled with meaning, curiosity, and connection.
His legacy wasn’t in possessions or titles—it was in the people he touched, the wisdom he shared, and the example he set. At his memorial, someone remarked, “John didn’t just live a long life—he lived a good one.” That’s what legacy is about: not just living long, but living strong.
Legacy isn’t something we think about every day, but it’s being built in every moment, in every choice we make. In “Lessons on Legacy”, one elder put it beautifully: “Your legacy isn’t what you leave when you’re gone—it’s what you build while you’re here.”
For Grandpa John, legacy was about sharing his curiosity and passion for life. Whenever I mentioned something I was interested in, he’d find a way to support it. He gave me books, asked questions, and encouraged me to follow my curiosity. Those small acts of connection left a lasting imprint on me, and now, I try to pass that on to others.
As I recover from my hip replacements and prepare to return to the mats in January 2025, I think a lot about the kind of legacy I’m building. For me, it’s about more than teaching martial arts—it’s about living and sharing the principles of resilience, focus, and strength. It’s about showing others that no matter where you are in life, there’s always room to grow.
In “Timeless Wisdom”, one elder reflected, “The people you lift up will carry your legacy forward.” That’s what I see in the students and community I work with. Every time I help someone take a step toward their own strength, I feel like I’m honoring Grandpa John’s legacy while building my own.
Legacy doesn’t have to be complicated or grand. It’s not about changing the whole world—it’s about changing your corner of it. It’s about showing up for the people in your life, sharing what you’ve learned, and leaving them a little better for having known you.
So let me ask you: What kind of legacy do you want to build?
Maybe it’s teaching your kids or grandkids a skill or value that’s important to you. Maybe it’s volunteering in your community or sharing your story with someone who needs encouragement. Legacy isn’t about waiting for a perfect moment—it’s about the choices you make every day.
Grandpa John’s legacy wasn’t about medals or accolades, though he certainly earned those. It was about the way he lived—with curiosity, courage, and connection. And as I reflect on his life, I’m reminded that the best legacy we can leave isn’t what we achieve—it’s the lives we touch along the way.
Start building your legacy today. Because in the end, that’s what truly matters.
Where to Explore in the Resources:
- “Lessons on Legacy”:
- Focus on how small, everyday actions build a meaningful legacy over time.
- “Timeless Wisdom”:
- Highlights the importance of lifting others up and creating lasting connections.
- “100 Pieces of Advice from 100-Year-Olds”:
- Explore advice about leaving the world better than you found it through your actions and relationships.
