A Personal Legacy is a something that passes on your values to your family and community. It transfers those attributes which cannot be measured by money. It reflects the foundation of values by which you live; the essence of the good lessons you have accumulated during your lifetime. It is, perhaps, the greatest gift.

Future Vision

With a little foresight, and a little insight, it can help those who come after you learn from your successes and learn from your failures. Most importantly, your personal legacy confirms to them that they have your faith, encouragement and vision to enable them to build upon the base you have created during your lifetime. With hard work, and a bit of luck, they may have the opportunity to go and grow during their lifetimes even further than you may have been able.

Creating A Personal Legacy

Reflect on your own life for the benefit of your family and your community. This can result in them learning valuable background information and values that otherwise are easily lost over time.

Think of it this way — do you wish you had a Personal Legacy from your grandfather or another respected ancestor? Would you value it? You have the opportunity to create one for later generations of your own family. You might discover that it’s just the thing you wanted to do, but never realized it.

Personal Insight

In too many instances of people leave this world without passing on their wisdom and their insights. Families are often left without the wealth of accumulated experiences and knowledge that multiplies generation after generation.

By writing Shadows In My House of Sunshine, I wanted the present and future generations of my family to be able to build upon what has come before them and share my personal legacy with the world for inspiration. I wanted them to know where I have come from and what I have learned and share my beliefs on how to live a meaningful life.

I was interviewed by Eric Greene on Education Notebook on News 12 CT where I talk about why I decided to write Shadows in My House of Sunshine.

I’ve always had a penchant for writing but It would take nearly eight and half decades to finally pen my life’s story. The process has been illuminating to say the least.  I have learned a lot about myself and the business of telling your story (and I’m still learning).

I hope to use this space to continue to learn but also I hope to encourage others considering telling their own personal legacy. To help you get started, I’ve put together a series of questions to ask yourself called My Personal Legacy. You can download the PDF here and print it out.

I will be at the Norwalk Public Library on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m, to discuss my autobiographical memoir Shadows in My House of Sunshine which describes my life, living, over the past 85 years, in twenty-nine different homes in 7 states.

In addition, Mayor Richard A. Moccia, will present me with a special Norwalk Public Library “Read” Poster prepared for the event. Copies of the poster will be given to all who attend. Copies of Shadows in My House of Sunshine will be available for signing.

Admission is free to this “Books and Authors” event, one of an ongoing series presented by the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library System to provide writers the opportunity to discuss their books with the public.

On Thursday, April 10th at 11:30 a.m., I will be at a book signing and luncheon at the Norwalk Senior Center.

Meet me and enjoy a special luncheon with friends. Books will be available for signing. Please note this event is open to the public. Pre-registration and payment are requested by Tuesday, April 8th. Fee: $7 includes lunch. You may reserve tables of 10 by calling Debbie Cole at-203- 847-3115 ext. 104. The Norwalk Senior Center is located at 11 Allen Road, Norwalk, CT.

Look forward seeing you there.