Edge of Evening: A Lesson About Legacy

 

“With photography, a new language has been created. Now for the first time, it is possible to express reality by reality. We can look at an impression as long as we wish, we can delve into it and, so to speak, renew past experiences at will.” - Ernst Haas


    This was a wonderful time, nestled into a nook in the sand far back from the gentle surf, watching the light of the setting sun play on the sky over a beautiful corner of Hilton Head Island. It was unusually warm for the time of year, and I was dressed in sandals and shorts as I waited for the color to peak. As I passed the time on a Facetime call with my wife, three older ladies strolled up the beach towards me.

    They seemed in a happy mood so I said hello and asked if they were locals. It turns out they were actually on vacation and were enjoying the warm evening with a walk in the sand. I offered to take their picture and one of them passed me their phone. Afterwards, they asked about what I was doing and I shared with them my website so they could see some of my work. Just a pleasant exchange between people enjoying themselves. They walked away talking and laughing together as the light did its thing and I released the shutter and told my wife I loved her. I hope they remember that evening as fondly as I do. As I wrote in my post on February 18, 2023...

    If you think about it, the legacy we leave behind is maybe our most important possession. Our legacy is a humbling and truthful biography laying bare who we really are for all to see.

    What we hope our closest family, friends, and colleagues will say about us at our own memorial reflects our most foundational values but also often betrays our deepest regrets. Will we be remembered for the rich relationships we nurtured, the abundant value we brought to their lives, and the joy and happiness we freely shared? Or will our eulogy be far more shallow?

    We can all decide to change our legacy for the better, today, right now. Whatever we’ve already done that violated our bedrock principles is over with and cannot be undone. What is past is past. The future begins now and we can choose, from this moment forward, to do that which does build relationships, which does add value, and which does bring joy and happiness. That choice is ours to make.

    May your legacy be what you choose it to be. And peace be with you, my friends. 

Clicking on the image will open it in full screen

‘Edge of Evening’ a kaleidoscopic view just before sunset looking northwest from beautifully natural Fish Haul Beach on Hilton Head Island in coastal South Carolina.

www.johnjgiardinaphotography.com



Location: Fish Haul Beach Park, 120 Mitchelville Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926, USA

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