When my life has reached its very end,

And I take that final breath;

I want to know I've left behind,

Some "good" before my death.

I hope that in my final hour,

In all honesty I can say:

That somewhere in my lifetime,

I have brightened someone's day.

That maybe I have brought a smile

To someone else's face,

And made one moment a little sweeter

While they dwelled here in this place.

Lord, please be my reminder

And whisper softly in my ear ...

To be a "giver," not a "taker,"

In the years I have left here.

Give to me the strength I need,

Open up my mind and my soul ...

That I might show sincere compassion,

And love to others before I go.

For if not a heart be touched by me,

And not a smile was left behind ...

Then the life that I am blessed with,

Will have been a waste of time.

With all my heart, I truly hope

To leave something here on earth ...

That touched another, made them smile

And gave to my life ... worth.

~ Author Unknown ~