What am I leaving, when I'm done here

When it's time for you to go, to say goodbye, to exit this world for the great abyss above, beyond us, that space we call heaven (or hell), how will you be remembered? Will people remember you at all? Do you even want to be remembered?

Will they remember you for your smile, your infectious laugh? Will they remember you for your kindness, your love for helping people?

Will they remember that you never went to class, that you never tried? Will they remember that you were a bully, all those times you stole people's snack?

Will they picture your sour face, when they think of you? Be reminded that you were a pessimist, that nothing could ever make you happy?

When they have money problems, will they remember how greedy you were, how you never shared, or gave charity?

When they see shadows, will they think it's you, returning in the form of a ghost, haunting them?

Will your loved ones go on those tv shows, in which the host can supposedly communicative with souls from the other world, so they will be able to talk to you?

Will they think of you at all? Will they miss you, and wish you were back here with them? Wish that they could hug you again, feel you close?

Will the world remember you for your great discoveries, your work that added so much here? Will they remember talks you gave, books you wrote, words you spoke?

Are you leaving behind anything at all to be remembered by?

We are not supposed to focus on death. Judaism stresses life. Our purpose here is to make our lives as fulfilling as we can. To prepare ourselves for the next world, so we will be granted entry.

But everything has a cause and effect. If I waste my life here, I won't be accepted up there. And no one will remember me for anything worthy.

Is your life fulfilling? Are you going somewhere, getting things done, accomplishing something worthwhile?

What are you leaving behind?