In Case I Die Unexpectedly-A List Poem

For my children and their children

The view from my sister L’s desk in So Cal.

Stay close to your siblings, even when it's hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Always pay for the good coffee and tip the barista.

Tear the lettuce for your salads—using a knife turns the edges brown.

Learn how to prepare a meal. Or two.

Steward your money well.

Ask questions when you hear things in Church that make you wonder.

Write letters and send thank you notes.

If you can, always take the scenic route.

Keep a map in the glove compartment when you're traveling. See above.

Wear a watch.

Remember to listen more than you speak.

Forgive, forgive, forgive.

Read some poetry at least once a week.

Be sure to thank your teachers, from Kindergarten to College.

Don’t look for someone who ‘completes’ you; let God make you

complete first.

Remember your parents did the best they could.

People will fail you, be kind anyway.

Your Sunday school teachers were right, the response to every

impossible question is still "Jesus."

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This list poem is inspired by writer and poetry friend Rachel Welcher who addressed her “In Case I Die” list poem to her two-year-old daughter Hildegaard. You can read Rachel’s poem HERE.

Tell me, what would be on your Legacy List? I’d love to hear in the Comments.

Jody

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Related:

That Time I Wrote a Poem for my Grandkids About Oprah

Father/Falter-A Poem for Father's Day

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