The ‘things’ we accumulate do not matter, neither do those that we collect with fervor and single minded focus. My sister was a sentimental collector of symbols and artifacts from our childhood and her many travels around the world. She was meticulous about her books, her mementos, her collection of art, and the many trinkets she gathered over the years.
On her passing, over five hundred books went to the local library, the art work was shared with those who saw value in it, and the trinkets were shared with family and friends as memorabilia. What this experience has taught me is that so much of the ‘stuff’ we collect is exactly that – stuff. At the end, none of that matters. Not one iota. She took absolutely nothing with her, and the remnants of her life scattered to the winds.
What matters is the memories she created and the experiences she shared with those she loved. What matters is the love she gave to her children, and the many hours she spent playing with her grand babies. What matters is how she mentored those in her professional world, and basked in their success. What matters is the mark she left in this world, and the difference she made in the lives of those that were less fortunate. Her legacy goes way beyond the things she collected – and we will keep that alive till the very end.
About Hemant Rustogi