The Power of Legacy Explained - Why Should You Care?

Why should you care about legacy?

 

You may wonder how these photo and video sessions differ from traditional family photoshoots. To truly grasp the depth of a Legacy Session, let’s look at the concept of legacy itself.

Here are the definitions of "legacy" from two different dictionaries. The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:

“A bequest; a particular thing, or certain sum of money given by last will or testament. ‘Good counsel is the best legacy a father can leave to his child.’”

In contrast, the Oxford Dictionary offers a broader view:

1. An amount of money or property left to someone in a will.
2. The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.

These definitions highlight how a legacy can be both tangible and intangible, encompassing not just material gifts but also the emotional and experiential wealth we leave behind.


Allow me to illustrate the importance of Legacy Sessions. I want to share a personal experience. My sister, Kristina, was an incredible mother to her 19-year-old daughter and fought bravely against breast cancer for five years. In December of 2023, I witnessed a moment that solidified the significance of leaving behind more than just memories.

While in hospice care, as Kristina’s health declined, she suddenly woke up and asked me to "go get the letters.”  They had recently moved into a new house, downsizing square footage in hopes that she could maintain it better.  Unfortunately, after they moved in, she didn't have the strength to unpack everything.  Boxes were still sitting in different areas of the house.  I was thrilled that she knew exactly where the letters were because if she hadn't told me, who knows when they would have been found.

 

These were letters that she had intended to write for her only child, created with custom stationery by our sister Cecilia. When I found them, I was eager to see what she had written. But my heart broke when I realized that they were blank. 

 

 

We managed to capture two videos before she fell asleep. She woke up to record once more, but her thoughts were jumbled, and it was difficult to understand what she was trying to say. 

 

 

After the Celebration of Life, I took the letters to Kaitlyn and explained that it wasn't my place to write them. Then I told her about the last-minute decision to record the videos. 

 

As I hit play, their dog immediately turned her head around to see where Kristina's voice was coming from. We broke down in tears.  The power of her voice meant everything in that moment.

What if we had recorded those videos before Kristina entered hospice care? Before her health deteriorated? How precious would it be to have her words of wisdom, her laughter, and her love preserved when she could clearly express them?

 

 

Now, consider your own loved ones. What would it mean for you to have their voices, their insights, and their stories? Legacy Sessions allow us to capture these moments now. They offer a way to preserve the essence of who we are, so that those we leave behind can hold onto our words and memories forever.

Legacy Sessions are more than just photo and video sessions; they're an opportunity to create a lasting impact on those we cherish. Whether it’s through sharing stories, advice, or heartfelt messages, these projects help ensure that our life stories continue to inspire and guide future generations.

If you’re ready to explore how you can leave behind a personal legacy for your family and friends, I invite you to reach out to me. Let’s talk about how we can capture your thoughts and stories, creating a meaningful gift that will endure through time.

In a world where we often take moments for granted, let’s embrace the power of legacy and the connections that bind us. Your story deserves to be told so that future generations will cherish it forever.