My life for the last 40 plus years has been guided by the words in this poem.

Success

by Bessie Anderson Stanley

He has achieved success who has lived well,laughed often, and loved much; 

who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;

who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;

who has left the world better than he found it whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul;

who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it;

who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;

whose life was an inspiration;

whose memory a benediction.

— Bessie Anderson Stanley