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The Life of a Legacy

Writer's picture: Health Projects CenterHealth Projects Center
Emily Lauri, LCSW

A few years ago, my dad—who happens to be a funeral director and one of my favorite people in the world—leaned in during one of our conversations and casually said, “You know, Emmy, ‘they’ say it only takes two generations to be forgotten.”


The idea of my favorite people or things being forgotten stopped me in my tracks. Who are “they,” anyway? Part of me wanted to burst into tears, and another part wanted to get defensive. Mostly, I was confused by my reaction—I found myself with very few words in response, which is rare for me.


Emily and her dad on a sunset stroll in Detroit.
Emily and her dad on a sunset stroll in Detroit.

We were on one of our favorite sunset strolls, a ritual we’ve kept for over ten years every time I visit him. It’s not about the stunning colors in the sky or the dramatic view of the Detroit skyline. It’s about the connection we find in our conversations, step after step.


On these walks, we talk about the smallest details of our lives—details I know, without a doubt, that I never want to forget.


This is where the idea of legacy building comes in. It’s a concept I’ve come to deeply appreciate in my role as a therapist and palliative care provider.


Simply put, a legacy is something you create that outlives you.


A legacy isn’t about physical belongings or family heirlooms— it’s about capturing and sharing the parts of your life that matter most: your values, lessons, and love. Writing letters to loved ones, compiling a family recipe book, or recording videos for future generations are all examples of legacy projects.


There are countless ways to build a legacy, but the bottom line is this: legacy work allows the spirit of your life to live on for generations.


Lately, I’ve reflected on why my dad’s statement struck such a chord in me that day. Why did it linger in my mind? Now, with a few more years—and perhaps some wisdom—I realize my reaction makes perfect sense.


My work as a social worker has helped me understand our shared human desire to be seen, held, and remembered. But it’s during those tender sunset strolls with my dad that I’ve discovered what parts of my spirit I hope will live on. Like everyone, I don’t want to be forgotten.


The takeaway is simple: we all have parts of ourselves worthy of being remembered.


If you’re curious about legacy building, join me for my upcoming workshop at the Caregiver University Conference on March 1st. It’s never too late to start creating your legacy.

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