I enjoyed many Dolly Parton songs, which are very life-affirming. I had no idea until I read her obituary on BBC News that Dolly was a huge philanthropist. We do not all have such talent and riches with which to do good but there are other ways of leaving a durable legacy. Unless you believe in resurrection, what we leave of ourselves is the good we did in the world. It is how others remember us. My most-missed friend was Sylvia [RIP] who was 92 when she died. I visited her Quaker meeting house a decade after her death and she was still fondly remembered for her kindness and giving time to others. To me, that is immortality. You don't need to be rich or famous to make a difference.
Myself, I've created gardens in the many houses I've lived in [mainly social housing] and also improved the property. Whoever comes after can enjoy these things. I've also written about my specialist subjects, leaving behind knowledge I hope will be useful,
What would you hope to leave by way of legacy, to the community and wider world {other than goods or money}? Is there anyting you can do toward this goal? I think this is an important question and has a large bearing on how you perceive yourself, your gifts and skills and your 'fit' in the community - without necessarily being a physical part of social life.
