The term ‘legacy’ is intimidating. Defined as the long-lasting impact of a person’s life, it’s usually used to describe political figures, sports legends, and millionaires. The average Joe and Josephine probably don’t walk around wondering what their legacy will be.  Maybe they should.

In the last few months, Sheridan has lost several people who embodied the word legacy. Scotty Scott, Jr., Ky Dixon, Dr. Sy Thickman, and Trevor Jackson all made massive impacts on our community’s culture, identity, infrastructure, youth, seniors, and everyone in between. This column isn’t long enough to list how they made a difference. Specific to my work, the CVC was created and sustained thanks to time and investment from Ky, Scotty, and Sy. And the CVC link is only one way my life has been changed by them. There are so many other examples of their influence on me.  The thought of Sheridan County without all four of them is unimaginable.

My friends and I are at the stage in life when our parents are dying, one by one. I have helped write obituaries for my mom and several friends’ parents over the last few years. While it’s never easy to lose them, often they were in their late 70s or 80s. As a mid-century resident, that range is getting younger and closer, but it’s still a long life. Never, ever long enough, of course. When writing an obituary, you’re compelled to describe the legacy of the deceased. In the case of someone like Scotty or Trevor, examples are plentiful. But what about the rest of us?

One of my good friends is currently dying of cancer.  It’s taking her fast, and I’m devastated and angry because she’s only a few years older than I am, and no one is ready for this, as if you ever are. I’ve been giving deep thought to the legacy she is leaving our family and realizing that she would be the last person to think that of herself. She’s never run for office. She doesn’t have a famous last name. She hasn’t won any major awards, been publicly recognized, or broken any records. She’s not wealthy or powerful. None of that makes any difference to us, her other friends, or her family. She has changed our lives in ways we can never repay. The memories, the stories, the generosity, the kindness, and the fun that she has brought us in countless instances will forever be cherished and profoundly missed.

Having attended the services of the community icons and listened to the breadth of their impacts, I was even more in awe of them than I was when they were here. Who knew that was possible? I left each service reflecting on the concept of legacy again and again.

You don’t have to be a Ky, Scotty, Sy, or Trevor to leave a powerful legacy. We don’t know how many days we have left. As I consider the imminent loss of our friend, the legacy she leaves us will be far greater than any famous politician or athlete. We are better people because she was in our lives and loved us.  There is no greater legacy. We can all aspire to that.