I live in a place affectionately referred to as the "Valley." As you would expect, geographically, there is a bowl-like effect created by small mountains with a 50 km range east to west. Within that valley, in key towns ornamented with specific important historic landmarks, an artistic and cultural renaissance has taken place over the past two decades. This is not unusual considering the financial boon of the 90's, the new millennium, the two wars of the last decade (war tends to push populations to seek comfort in aesthetics), and also considering, most importantly, the generosity of a generation of elders who understood they can't take their money with them!
In the last six months, the Valley has lost four of its elder philanthropists responsible, in large part, for this local renaissance. To be fair, these generous individuals have gained recognition, honor, and fame by the myriad buildings their names are etched into. However, the true effect of their worth could never be recaptured by them because their legacy extends into generations beyond theirs or mine or my children's. The true gifting which they have offered is immeasurable except by the random sampling of individuals who have been recipients of grants offered by these art centers or scholarships targeting specific populations, by the children's centers who have received boxes of books or the private schools who have refurbished heating systems to continue educating children with open minds. We cannot follow all the lives touched by the systemic inculcation of benefit through funding caused by these elder philanthropists who understood the value of each individual's potential to make the world a better place.
What now though? Four are gone. Yes, there are the corporate foundations which carry responsibility and have generously (though contrivingly) donated funds and materials to fuel and insure the continuation of cultural health in this community. But, who are the ones who can step into the shoes of those who have gone? Is there anyone in the Valley up to that honor?
Moral development demands heroes and heroines in a society. Four of those have left the Valley too soon and too fast in succession. To lead by example is a powerful adage by which to live. Some give money, some read to children, some care for the disabled, some write poetry, some counsel addicts, some go around hugging people, some sing. To inspire others to give is probably the most you can ever hope to insure legacy, because upon the giving to another, another will give, and another, and another. It's powerful medicine.
