Remembering the Merit of Those Who Have Passed On

Take a second to stop, close your eyes, and breathe in deeply. Now, think about someone you know who is no longer with you. Is it a family member, a friend, a co-worker, or someone who made an impact on your life? Just remember them. Remember their goodness and their special qualities. Remember the part of them that made noble choices and did good deeds. Remember how they touched the lives of others, and how they always did those small acts of kindness that sometimes went unrecognized. Their life meant so much to you, didn't it? Yes, it did.

If one could describe all of these traits in just a word, they might say "essence." The essence of a person is what stays with us forever, even after that person passes on. Every day we live is an opportunity for us to continue the special legacy they held close. It's time to learn how to take those opportunities. It's time to remember their merit.