Final Requests

I was just rolling through Facebook as I often do, when this touching post caught my eye. A final request was made by an elementary schoolteacher in Georgia. Before she passed, she asked that instead of flowers that people bring backpacks filled with school supplies to her funeral. Her final request resulted in hundreds of backpacks from friends, family and strangers. Children she had never met will have what they need to shape their future. 

At the time of death, people want to do something. Often it is a donation to a charity either identified by the family or of the donor's choice. I have to admit, I am poor at giving to a memoriam, I'm not sure why. But I would certainly buy and fill a backpack. I don't think I am alone when I say, I love creativity. I am also all in when it is for a cause and especially if children are involved. 

This woman is leaving a legacy behind. She just wanted to help children as the last thing she did. She had no idea the magnitude of her request. She will be remembered for what she gave others at the time of her death. Can you imagine the joy she would have as she watched from above. 

The final request to be an organ donor is giving the gift of life to others that have little hope. So many lives are changed by just one person's act to become an organ donor. I am hopeful that this brings comfort to the grieving family, to know others are given a chance to live because of their selfless decision.       

This has really gotten me thinking. Flowers are the gold standard and very traditional at a funeral. I began to think what would my final request be. I felt it would be an easy decision, but I was really surprised at myself, nothing came to me as unique. For those passionate about animals, you could ask for food or toys to give to a shelter. Teachers have been given an amazing example. Many families set up scholarships in honor of the person they lost. None of that really applies to me. After long consideration, I decided I would ask people to bring something that would help the homeless. My biggest joy would be to watch the generosity of others embrace a cause important to me. 

I hope this post is inspiring to you to be creative and think about what your final request could be. It never occurred to me until I read about the backpacks how these acts could change how people think. Just imagine how different the world would be, if every funeral had a request such as a backpack and school supplies.