Footprints on our Hearts

One of my favorite quotes is: “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.” ~Flavia Weeden

My most cherished treasures are my family and friends. God has given me the privilege to live long enough to experience the joy of being a daughter, a sister, a Mom, Frank’s wife, a “Nani” to my incredible grandchildren. Each of these family experiences have left “footprints on my heart” that will never be erased.

I realize with today’s environment that I don’t take enough time to spend with family and friends – it does means planning ahead to make those moments happen. I can’t remember experiences that I didn’t take time to be a part of – just hearing about it is not the same as experiencing it first hand.

This summer I decided to make more footprints. Spending 10 days with my grandkids and daughter left me many footprints to remember: walking down the beach, laughter & hugs, catching grasshoppers, collecting shells, watching water birds & tiny crabs run in the marshes, touching stingrays, watching dolphins, riding a scary rollercoaster & screaming, sharing family stories, Sabbath at Brookgreen gardens, spending time reading God’s word, watching sunsets together and saying WOW!

Take time to cherish your family while you have them and build relationships. We are not long upon this earth – but the legacy we leave behind are the cherished family stories & memories that encourage the ones coming after us. The “tell me a story of when you were little” times -- giving us opportunity to lock in values and lessons. What footprints will you leave or take time to experience?

By Marie Macri

Pictures: Marie's grandchildren Makayla and Mitchell this summer.