Her Legacy: Live like you're LIVING

BY FARAH F. JADRAN

"I want my legacy to be how I lived, not how I died." - Ann Marie Stonecypher

This sentiment is simple, but powerful. Whether we are battling cancer for more than decade or just battling everyday challenges, I would like to imagine that we all maintain similar basic goals.

Goal 1: Feel the warmth of gratitude in our hearts on each morning we wake up.
Goal 2: Say, "I love you," daily to those we care about.
Goal 3: Live like you are living.

It may sound like a broken record when we constantly remind one another to be grateful or to look on the "bright side" of a bad situation, but why do we always need the reminders? It's simple, we are human and we tend to not know what we have in the present until it's gone and forgotten in the past.

We are guilty of this forgetful and selfish demeanor at one time or another, but we can change that.

I've had the grand opportunity to know Ann Marie as a friend, to interview her for a magazine cover story, and to hear her speak before so many people. No matter how many times I hear some form of her message, I am always filled with the inspiration and the hope that one day we will all live like we are living and always live in the present.

She captivated  cancer survivors at a Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness event and shared her message of living life. Her friendship with H4H founder Frieda Weeks has been an incredible force that I have blessed to witnessed. That friendship and loyalty alone could move mountains and it’s certainly stood the battle of cancer many times and even the loss of a child.

Can you imagine how strong all friendships could be if we lived in the present and acted with genuine care at all times? It’s a powerful thought.

If you watch this video clip of Ann Marie's speech at the 2015 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Syracuse, you will hear speak of gratitude, love and hope, but most of all, she will challenge you.

This post was inspired by a recent lively photo I saw of Ann Marie and Rob Bick. At first glance, I saw gratitude, love and hope. Her smile exudes a powerful message: I am living life.

The pure joy on their faces says it all. How could you not be grateful, lively and in love, and happy to be in the moment?

Photo by Solon Quinn / solonquinnphotography.com

If you've never met Ann Marie or didn't know anything about her battles with cancer, you absolutely would not know that she indeed has cancer. Why? Because it's not what her life is about. She is a successful businesswoman, a proud mother of two, a community leader and a genuine friend, but there's still more to be said about Ann Marie as she truly lives each day of her life to the fullest.

"Cancer's still not in charge, I am," Ann Marie shared with the crowd at the Race for the Cure. "Cancer's a big thing, but it's still just one thing."

This photo spoke to me in many ways. Are you living your life today? Are you grateful for the love in your life? Are you hopeful for another day in your life?

It could be so easy to get down and as they say, "throw a pity party" for one's self, but why would you want to waste time doing that? You have this beautiful (literally) once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right here and now.

Tomorrow is promised to no one, but today is happening right now!

Challenge yourself to live life and to walk away from pity party habits. Yes, my car could break down, one of my dogs could chew up a personal belonging and yes, I may encounter an unkind person today, but I am alive to witness these events and for that, I am grateful that I am living my life.

One day, we could all be proud to leave such a beautiful legacy – to be remembered for how we lived, not how we died.

Until my next post, be beautiful and genuine ― in other words, be you.

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