Photos

It is a Small World

“Life…is an enormous lottery: the prizes are few, the failures innumerable. Out of the sighs of one generation are kneaded the hopes of the next. That's life.“ —Machado de Assis

Continuing the virtual educational journey, we pause to reflect on the meaning of life and our gifts to the next generation.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Our grand daughter studying the Wall Street Journal. If you look closely, the article facing you is titled “The Family Historian Flourishes.”

The photo is not staged and I don’t remember exactly why this little girl took an interest in one of my favorite newspapers and on this particular day it contained a a meaningful reflection of family.

I once wrote an article which you can find on this website titled “What Inspires you to Greatness”? In that article I shared five lessons from the last days with my Godfather: there is no magic formula for ‘greatness’; it’s not where you start that matters. It’s where you finish; maintain a positive attitude, even against major setbacks; cherish every moment such as unexpected embraces or that simple handshake (read article to understand); and greatness is living the life you designed and having no regrets.

As I reflect on this picture, this is the legacy I want to leave with my grandchild. Families and life are not perfect, but in the end, we need to ensure we motivate the next generation to their ‘greatness’. There is no greater gift that the embrace of a child or a memory such as this that lives with you forever. Enjoy the ride for one day you will realize it is too short. Celebrate and inspire the next generation to a much better life than yours.

It’s the dream of every parent and the wish of every grandparent on earth. Hope this grand child wins the lottery to a spectacularly fulfilled life with no regrets.

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