When legends are born no one realizes it until decades later the legacies that will be left behind by them. Isn’t this ironic that people can become so iconic yet they never dreamed of becoming such leaders or inspirations.

We’ve lost so many legends in our small town of Checotah in the past few years – Richard Barton, Bill Frame, Johnny Bo, Emmy Stidham, Bob Hogan, Cindy Schuering, Billy Dean Martin, Mitch Myers, Joe Park and the list goes on and on… So when we add two more icons from our small world, Bobby Frame and Truman Dixon, it makes me stop to think about the legacies they leave behind in us all. What a legacy both of these gentlemen left behind!

Frame serving two terms in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives knew what it was like to take on the responsibility of the state. Yet he was known as a generous neighbor who also shared his homegrown vegetables and took care of his family.

Dixon known as “Coach” to many also was a legend in his time, taking his basketball teams to championships with his grit and grind on the home court. Yet he also knew how to cheer on everyone he knew in his small town of Checotah, even become a part of its Hall of Fame. Amazingly these men knew humility as much as they had pride in their leadership, but they are remembered more for their kindness. Yes, legacies truly are simple men that love God, their families and their community.

All of this made me think about what it really means to become a legend and leave a legacy that’s worthy of praise from your fellow peers. Though some might think a legacy is more about the sum of the personal investments and values, I believe it is the accomplishments and actions that resonate with those left behind.

It’s the long-lasting impact of how that person’s life richly blessed others. A person that has left his children a legacy of love, respect and values far transcends a lifetime of contributions and work after they pass away.

To me the definition of a lasting legacy is the positive impact your life has made on your family, your friends, your community and even strangers.

Some true examples of a legacy are: OurFaith: Upholding our beliefs no matter the cost Our Work Ethics: Building on achievements that benefit all Our Mentorship: Guiding others through positive experiences Our Family/Friends: Building meaningful relationships with each one Our Community: Getting involved to make it better for the next generation All these things help us to also leave behind a legacy one day that hopefully will be remembered for the impact we all had on our little world.

May we live to pass on God’s purpose and passion, more than property or heirlooms. May we strive to live in a way that honors our loved one’s memory and may we inherit their same steadfast spirit as we continue their story.

Though an inheritance is something you want to leave behind for your family, it’s your legacy that has hopefully touched so many others in your lifetime and left behind a piece of you that will never be forgotten.