Whales, being mammals, have to come to the oceans surface to breathe. When they submerge again, they leave what is called a "footprint." If you look at the center of this photo, you will see a circle where the water is smooth. That is the footprint left by a Finback whale. Whalers used to think the spot left when a whale dove was oil, secreted from the animal. Instead it is a moment of smooth water left after the huge body of the whale slips beneath the water. I have been thinking lately, of what sort of "footprint" I will leave when I go. I believe that although all people die, they live on in a way in the memories of those people they have touched while they walked the earth. How will those I leave behind remember me? I have not achieved any measure of greatness thus far in my life, and I rather doubt that I will before I die. But what I hope to leave as a "footprint" is memories of unexpected kindnesses, spontaneous laughter, generous love. And a mean loaf of home made bread.
What kind of footprint will you leave as you go?
