by Maggie McKee Huey
Well, what can I say for a day like today? Sixteen years ago on March 31, I was born into this world, not knowing what was lying ahead for my life and for the lives of those in my family. I was born at a time when what was the unexpected could happen, and it did. Some five months after one Earthly life began another one ended. You see, actually, my Father and I were born in the same month, March, the only ones in the family. I wasn’t able to spend a birthday with him, and he wasn’t able to last a year for mine.
I have no recollection of my father in my own memory. I have to live on memories of those in my family and what I have to look forward to when I see him again one day. Yet, when I look in the mirror, see my brother or sister, or realize what I have become, I see the legacy of Kim McKee. There are many people who have suffered the death of a parent, just as my siblings and I have, yet not remembering someone because you were too young—that is a different story entirely. Often others think that I am the “least affected” from my father’s death, when actually in some cases, I am the “most affected.” Even if you can’t remember someone, it does not mean that you did not know him. I know Kim McKee—I know my daddy. I always have.
Many times I have wondered why or how it could be different, but then I know it wasn’t meant to be that way. I thank the Lord every day for the life that I now live, despite the ebbs and flows. “Life does go on,” as my mother says, “never the same way, but it does go on.” Even though my daddy isn’t physically here, he is still present through those who loved him. A legacy can be carried through it all. I’m sure most of you have heard by now that about a year ago I had my own salvation experience. Now I can say that I truly carry the legacy of Yeshua, who has saved my life. In fact, now I know that when I do die, I’ll go home to be in the glory of God’s presence and have a reunion with my daddy.
The question now for us is: Do we honor and carry out the legacy of others, or more importantly, Yeshua’s own legacy? Through the example of those who have gone before us, we learn how we should live. I have learned a great deal by following the legacy of Yeshua, as well as other godly men and women who have gone before me. He is the living example of how we should live and conduct our lives. “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). How can we find the gate, if we do not follow the path which is required? We can’t. We follow Yeshua’s legacy by Him living through us and by being born again.
As I wait that day to finally be in the presence of my Lord, I live today carrying on the legacy to which I have been called. In following in the steps of others, I create my own in which one day I hope others might be led. I even learn from the legacies of those who are still here. The Lord has blessed me so much to give me another father, not to take the place of my daddy, but to make his own place in my heart. Also, He has given me an amazing mother, who is someone that I couldn’t imagine life without, she has been my rock. John and Jane have been wonderful, and they have always been there for me. My whole family has kept me grounded, and even though my life hasn’t been “normal,” you could not ask for better people to go along the ride.
Today as I turn sixteen, I am reminded of how far I have come and everyone who has helped me along the way. The month of March always has mixed feelings for me. I love it, but then I want it to be over. Despite all of this, I know my daddy would be proud of me even though I am not perfect. My real “birthday” now isn’t today, it is actually April 22: the day I was reborn. That day has now given me the assurance that I’ll be with the Lord, and even my father again. I just have to carry on that legacy to which I have been called.
Categories:
