PDG Alumni Challenge #1

When first faced with the task of deciding how I would spend the final weeks of my life, I was overwhelmed. So many possibilities crowded into my mind. Of course, lots of my ideas are cliché`. Traveling, spending time with family, enjoying my favorite foods and activities one more time, etc.

But it was incredibly difficult to narrow down exactly how I would spend my time until I asked myself these two questions. Who am I? And, what is important to me? I am a creative, emotional dreamer with a practical and organized side. I express myself best through writing, and I desperately long to leave a positive legacy after I am gone.

Because of this, part of my six weeks would be used in putting together a “legacy box”. In it I would include footage of me with family and dogs, laughing, singing and playing guitar; the small moments that always brought me joy. The box would include copies of my favorite books and music, some of my favorite recipes, and of course, a copy of my book and published works. I would also place personal letters inside, addressed to the special people in my life. These may contain apologies, admissions, encouragement or expressions of love; all those little things a person means to say but never gets around to. I would write about my dreams; the ones that came true, as well as those that never did.

I think I have a longing to be remembered; to have “mattered”. Maybe the legacy box is an attempt to be understood even after I am no longer here to explain myself. Perhaps there would be little interest in the box’s contents. But, the effort of putting it together would be fulfilling to me personally, knowing it is my final project of self expression.

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Lisa Joy Douglas
1973-2073

Lisa Joy Douglas, age 100, passed away peacefully Wednesday
afternoon at her home in Flagstaff, Arizona. She was surrounded
by her closest family, friends, and colleagues from the literary world.

She was born June, 1973 in Goshen, Indiana and graduated from ATIA in 1991.
After establishing and building a career in the beauty industry,
she was married to Steve Douglas in August of 2002.
He remained the love of her life, and greatest inspiration
until his passing in the autumn of 2051.

Mrs. Douglas was a life long writer, and in 2007 she achieved her dream
of being published. She worked as a website columnist and staff writer for several companies,
and much of her work has been featured in magazines and newspapers.
In September, 2010, she published the first of many books, launching her
career as a motivational speaker to women across the country.

She is survived by one son, Kylan Micah-Dean Douglas, step-daughter Bryanna Wright,
four grandchildren and twelve great grand children.

A memorial service will be held at Woods Canyon Lake;
time and date to be announced.

(I took the liberty of making assumptions/wishes regarding my future)