Our Legacy - How much backward can we trace - Azara Feroz Sayed

We all know about Anne Sullivan, Hellen Keller's teacher, the article below talks about how Anne Sullivan's life was in turn changed by her teacher.

Do we know how some of the beautiful things instilled in us has a similar connection. Wish there was a way to trace how far back does it go. Isn't it interesting to know how we pass these beautiful things to others, we touch, as we go thru our lives - how many lives going forward will our legacy touch?

Feroz can never stop talking about his family's contribution in his formation years like Farooq Mamu for instilling creativity in him, Usman Manu for his discipline, Abba for his quiet dispostion and intellect, Mummy for her keenness in education and religion, Khala for her music, Naseem Appa for his education. I am wondering, will each of them would have something similar to say.

My pappa didn't have close family (parents, brother passed away early) - his hard work, enthusiasm and postiveness to life, friends and love for his family(wife and children) were his strength. These were inculcated in me. And yes, unabashed praising of his wife - you now know the reason I talk so much about Feroz.

God blessed me with Feroz so I could catch on all the good things in his life too. This gift in life inspires me to touch other people's life too. We have been blessed with family and friends who enrich us with their life and experience - inspiring us to share with the world the good things we have been blessed with in life.

In the "Professor's last lecture" post, Professor talked about leaving a legacy of character for others to catch on. Isn't it interesting to know, we are creating this legacy everyday, every minute. Wondering how much forward will our legacy go on? As the article mentions at the end, You can never overestimate the power of love. It is a fire that, once lit, may burn forever!

http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/stories/personalgrowth/Life.shtml
How do you account for your remarkable accomplishment in life?" Queen Victoria of England asked Helen Keller. "How do you explain the fact that even though you were both blind and deaf, you were able to accomplish so much?"

Ms. Keller's answer is a tribute to her dedicated teacher. "If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller would have remained unknown."

Annie Sullivan was almost sightless herself (due to a childhood fever) and was, at one time, diagnosed as hopelessly "insane" by her caregivers. She was locked in the basement of a mental institution outside of Boston. On occasion, Little Annie would violently attack anyone who came near. Most of the time she generally ignored everyone in her presence.

An elderly nurse believed there was hope, however, and she made it her mission to show love to the child. Every day she visited Little Annie. For the most part, the child did not acknowledge the nurse's presence, but she still continued to visit. The kindly woman left cookies for her and spoke words of love and encouragement. She believed Little Annie could recover, if only she were shown love.

Eventually, doctors noticed a change in the girl. Where they once witnessed anger and hostility, they now noted an emerging gentleness and love. They moved her upstairs where she continued to improve. Then the day finally came when this seemingly "hopeless" child was released.

Anne Sullivan grew into a young woman with a desire to help others as she, herself, was helped by the loving nurse. It was she who saw the great potential in Helen Keller. She loved her, disciplined her, played with her, pushed her, and worked with her until the flickering candle that was her life became a beacon of light to the world. Anne Sullivan worked wonders in Helen's life, but it was a loving nurse who first believed in Little Annie and lovingly transformed an uncommunicative child into a compassionate teacher.

"If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller would have remained unknown." But if it had not been for a kind and dedicated nurse, the name of Anne Sullivan would have remained unknown. And so it goes. Just how far back does the chain of redemption extend? And how far forward will it lead?

Those you have sought to reach, whether they be in your family or elsewhere, are part of a chain of love that can extend through the generations. Your influence on their lives, whether or not you see results, is immeasurable. Your legacy of dedicated kindness and caring can transform lost and hopeless lives for years to come. You can never overestimate the power of your love. It is a fire that, once lit, may burn forever.