Many people think of legacies in material terms. Money, property…stuff. But to quote business strategist Peter Strople, “Legacy is not leaving something for people. It’s leaving something in people.” What kind of legacy will you leave?
The unexpected and shocking death of my brother-in-law, Charlie Beall, has forced me to ask that question. Charlie passed away just two days after he and my sister, Debbie, drove their RV from Maryland to my home in Tennessee. They had come for a weekend of fun with friends who’d flown in for the occasion.
Who could have imagined the sudden turn of events? No one, including Charlie. No one knew just how sick he really was. Even after my sister took him to the emergency room, we all thought he had a touch of something and would feel better in a few days.
Life’s Fragility
It’s been a month since Charlie’s passing, and I’m still in disbelief. I can’t believe previous medical tests hadn’t uncovered the fast-moving, metastatic cancer that overwhelmed his immune system, which then was too weak to fight an infection that ultimately caused his death.
I can’t speak for my sister or her three daughters, Heather, Meaghan, and Katie (aka “Charlie’s Angels”). Unfortunately, they must walk their grief journey and deal with the loss in their own way.
I can only speak for myself. And I am sad to the core. I can’t imagine holiday celebrations without him…his reading glasses perched on his forehead. I’ll never again watch him play shuffleboard or cornhole. And I’ll never hear his car-buying advice or any other opinion he wants to share.
I’m reminded of life’s fragility. The uncertainty.
And because of this, I’m reminded of an important question for the living…what kind of legacy will you leave? How will you be remembered?
Charlie’s Mark
Charlie wasn’t rich in money and property. But he was richer than Croesus in things that do matter.
Today, Charlie and Debbie would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. They loved and they argued. Together, they raised three beautiful daughters who grew up and married three wonderful men. They built a life.
“Charlie, I’m not leaving your side until I can hand you over to Jesus…from my hands to His,” my sister whispered to him as he lay dying in the hospital bed. Emotionally overwhelmed and in shock, we all wept…me, my husband, and our friends. We couldn’t see a future without Charlie in our lives.
You see, Charlie made an impact, not only on his immediate family, but on everyone who ever met him. Who couldn’t love him? People were drawn by his devilish smile, his sweetness. His great hugs and teasing. He had this way of making people feel special and beloved.
“Charlie was the most wonderful, funny, sweet man,” a friend texted after learning the sad news. “There will surely be a big hole in your family without him.”
Indeed.
Many, many others have shared the same sentiment.
Your Legacy?
What kind of legacy will you leave behind?
I can say that I want to leave a Charlie legacy. I don’t want to be remembered for the things I leave people, but for the positive feelings and thoughts that I leave in people.
Godspeed Charlie Beall. You will be missed…profoundly.
Hi Lori, once again you made me cry. Charlie was one of a kind. Prayers for the whole family. Love you all.
Audrey, sometimes a good cry is necessary! One of the saddest days of my life. Thank you so much for the prayers! Love you too.
Absolutely beautiful ❤️
Thank you. And thanks for taking the time to let me know. 🙂
so touching. So sorry for you enormous loss of Charlie.
Greta, as I’ve many times before, I do appreciate you reading and then taking time to comment. Hope all is well in your world.
I can feel the hole in your hearts. Will start thinking about my legacy!
Yep, I think it’s a good thing to think about! Thanks for reading.
Thank you for this. I wept reading it. The world is lesser place without Charlie. Debbie’s parting words to Charlie were her final gift to him.
Every time I remember the events of that afternoon, my eyes fill up. Debbie’s sweet words absolutely rocked me. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Charlie was a wonderful man. He definitely made me feel special, made me laugh all the time, was so sweet, and I loved talking to him. Most of all I loved our teasing banter. He and Debbie together were a beautiful couple. I’ve been to enough Keesey gatherings to know just what a big hole will be left without him.
Love, hugs and sorrow to all of you.
Kathy, You have attended enough Keesey gatherings to know his sweet way. Thank you so much for sharing your time with him. Love ya.
I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you and Debbie.Sending prayers
Gloria, I’ll make sure to pass along your condolences. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Charlie left a legacy that can’t be matched by anyone.
Johnny, You may be right. It was great seeing you and the rest of the cousins at the Celebration of Life. Love ya.
Beautifully written Lori💖 so very sorry for your loss🙏🏼
Sharon, thank you for those kind words. It means so much.
Your beautiful words are a balm for my soul. Thank you for writing such a lovely tribute.
Debbie, I know those words didn’t come from me. The Lord downloaded them into my brain! That’s why the tribute was a balm for your soul.
Lori, I am so sorry for such a huge loss to your entire clan. My prayers go out for Charlie and the entire family.
Terry, thank you for those prayers. I know my sister appreciates them. Love ya.
Oh Lori, you captured Charlie’s legacy perfectly. The “Thirsty Thirteen” will never be the same, will love and miss him always.
The “Thirsty Thirteen” had some great times together. It won’t be the same without him.