How will I be remembered?

I attended a funeral several weeks ago for a relative by marriage. On the few occasions where we had interacted at holiday parties and other big family events, I found him generally likeable. He was soft-spoken and genial. But I didn’t know him well at all.

During the luncheon after the funeral service, a number of his friends and associates stood up to offer eulogies. I learned a lot about him from the stories they shared and the honest affection for him that they expressed.

Apparently, he was an avid sports fan. He loved to read. He was always willing to help his friends when they needed it. He was a devoted alumnus of his high school. He had great ideas. And he loved his wife and children.

I found myself wishing that I had made the effort to get to know him better. He sounded like a truly great guy.

And I couldn’t help but wonder what would be said about me at my own funeral. Would near strangers find themselves wishing that they had known me better? Would my life sound interesting? Would people speak about me with affection? Would they be glad that they had known me? What would they remember about me?