THE LEGACY I LEAVE

SOME DATES AND EVENTS WILL STICK IN MY MIND FOREVER. Like the day my grandson was born: May 21, 2006. I had just finished a wedding ceremony and was walking from the beach, next to the Rusty Pelican Restaurant at the end of Rocky Point Drive, to my car, when my cell phone rang. It was a call I was expecting. Debbie was on the phone and she said, "Our grandson has arrived!" This brought tears to my eyes.

The birth of my grandson Jackson set off a series of emotions and thoughts. I suddenly realized I stood in the middle of five generations: my grandfather, father, myself, my son and grandson.

From my grandfather to Jackson, life has changed dramatically, and I wanted him to have some idea of his family history and of those who paved the way for him. So after a lot of thought, I decided to produce a video to share my experiences and the information about our family tree that I know so well.

Synchronistically, Pam Butler was stepping into a new venture that did exactly what I wanted to accomplish. Pam and I met several times to create a plan that would achieve my goals. During this process, she told me about a book, Letters From Dad, by Greg Vaughn (available from Amazon.com through the church website link). This book gave me another idea about the legacy I was about to leave on video. Why not leave a legacy through the written word in the form of letters, as well?

All of this has evolved into this idea of a gathering of fathers - to meet, discuss, and figure out the best way to leave a legacy to future generations through old-fashion hand-written letters.

With the book as our guide, along with the ideas I have formed, we will work on this project together. Although I will facilitate the meeting, this should be a collaborative process and not a typical class structure. Our first class/ meeting will be on June 12 at 9:00 a.m. You may invite other family members, such as brothers, sons, and uncles, as well as friends or neighbors who might be interested. Spread the word! The only requirement is to show up, and I hope to see you there.

Namaste ... that which is sacred in me beholds that which is sacred in you.
Rev Allen