legacy

Legacy is something that is typically invoked in history books, the last few months of a President's second term, or at the time of someone's passing. I have been thinking about legacy the last few days because Anne Coyle's is enduring.

Ann, Ginny's paternal grandmother, died in Willmar, MN one year ago.

Ann was a farm wife for most of her adult life. Yes, this statement is pregnant with meaning. She tirelessly embodied hospitality. In additon to feeding her husband and numerous children ever day, she opened up her home to family and friends in need. Two neighbor children who were welcomed intothe family never left and came to call her "mom".

It is partially Ann's legacy that Ginny and I celebrate by having moved into Northeast Minneappolis. At the beginnig of our marraige, wesatdown and talked priorities. Hospitality quickly became one of the most important values.Our home, across the street from where Ginny's goddaughter was born and spent her childhood, is always open. For us, openin g our doors is a spiritual act. It is a way for us to invite people into our love, much as Grandma Coyle embraced people into hers.

We miss Grandma Coyle, but we ay tribute to her legacy whenever someone steps over the threshold.