We wake up, get work, go back home and rinse and repeat – or at least it feels that way sometimes. In truth, there are a million moments in between where we interact with others and we can’t help but wonder what folks will think about us once we aren’t showing up, perhaps once we are gone. Some very thoughtful members of the community share their thoughts on this with us below.
Holly Lindblom
The love for my children. That no matter what I’ve been a hustler. Ive held it down. The fact that i was nothing like my mother. All my travels. Those trips back and forth from Kentucky. Me finding out who I am, with my guitar and my grandpa’s ashes in the front seat of my car coming home to Los Angeles. My love for music. Read more>>
Matt Graham
In late September of last year, at a small house in the desert, I was attacked by a deadly variety of rattle snake – the Mojave Green. I engaged in a twenty five minute struggle with the creature, who was enraged by my existence. I had no protection – and no weapons with which to fight it. It was just me and them. Read more>>
Betsy Hammer
I hope people will remember Betsy Hammer as a fun, multi-talented lady with a good heart and a beautiful smile, known to love deeply and truly. A lover of people, animals, music, the arts and life. Read more>>
Sean Bitting
I honestly hope people just speak of all the good times we’ve had, Each person I’ve interacted with, I would hope they have their own story but anyone hearing it would be able to go ‘yeah, that was definitely Sean.’ I hope people can laugh and enjoy the good times we all had. Read more>>
Richard A. Delgado
That I was a true artist—one who pursued his calling and fulfilled his purpose in life. That I sought to inspire others, especially the generations to come. That I was a man of God, a good and humble soul who tried each day to make the world a little better. Read more>>
Bri Ellison
I hope they say I lived boldly, on my own terms, always listening to the quiet guidance of my intuition, following the rhythm of my own heart, and showing up fully in service of others. Read more>>
Cori Collins
That I was one of a kind unique creative and not afraid to be me Read more>>
Charis Michelsen
I hope people remember me for having made a positive difference in their lives — for leaving behind timeless tools that empower others to improve their lives, build confidence, and realize their full potential. Read more>>
Jan Hogrewe
If there’s a story people tell about me and Just Jan’s when I’m gone, I hope it’s something like this: That Jan had a way of making everyone feel welcome, like you’d known her forever, even if you’d just met. That she poured her heart, soul, and spirit into whatever she did, especially when it came to her family and her work. Read more>>
Reeva Paluri
My hope is that after I live a full life, the wisdom I’ve shared with people, as well as the meals that I’ve shared with them, is how they will remember me. Maybe it is unusual, but I don’t see my life story being of any significance to anyone. The story of my life is one that I am writing just for myself. Read more>>
Lynette Haugen
I hope to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared for others and was always there to lend a helping hand. Read more>>
Arthur Wang
I don’t spend much time thinking about how I’ll be remembered. Nothing really lasts forever — not names, not reputations — and that impermanence actually feels freeing to me. What matters is staying sincere in the moment and writing music that feels honest and alive. Read more>>
Charles Handy
One thing I’d like people to understand about my story and my personal journey is that I wasn’t supposed to “make it.” My mom married my stepfather and moved my brother and me from East Oakland, California, to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany in 1989. During that time, crack and violence were flooding the streets of Oakland. Read more>>
Rene Valdez Gutierrez
I hope people remember me as a successful Mexican American entrepreneur who made a lasting impact on generations of fashion. I want to be known as someone who fiercely advocated for his community, never gave up, and inspired others to keep pushing forward no matter the obstacles. Read more>>
Jazz (JazzEra) Cassell
When I’m gone, I hope people say I gave them space to show up as their authentic selves without judgment, without ridicule. That I communicated with kindness, offered grace when it was needed most, and held space with intention. I hope they say I inspired them to reach their creative potential, to laugh more freely, and to believe in the beauty of their own path. Read more>>
Jazmin Akea
I hope that when I am gone, people will speak of my resilience and tenacity. I have worked very hard to become the version of myself that I am today, and while some may assume that i received handouts, this is simply not the case. I have attended many auditions and been rejected, and I keep applying myself. I have been told no. Read more>>
