The Graduation Experience
It’s difficult to express, but every parent who has watched their child graduate understands this feeling
perfectly. You can see it on every family’s face at the ceremony. Amid the chaos, each family is so absorbed
in their child’s milestone that the surrounding noise and commotion fade away. Hugs are shared, hundreds
of photos are snapped—tears flow from some, while others give larger-than-life embraces. It’s a unique
moment, distinct yet just as profound as the day you first welcomed them into the world.
In a world so vast it’s hard to fathom, we all share remarkably similar experiences as we grow up and raise
families of our own. Countless memories fill our minds, but certain moments inevitably highlight life’s
fragility. Perhaps it’s a close call with death, a near miss, a health scare, the untimely loss of a loved one, or a
major life shift that shakes us to our core. These experiences remind us to be thankful while underscoring
the delicate nature of life.
Life and Legacy Books began as a graduation memory book for our son, capturing a time filled with
emotional, sentimental moments that tug at your heart.
You start to think, my baby is graduating?! They're an adult?! How did this happen? It feels like just
yesterday you were changing diapers, and now they're 18!
I clearly recall turning 18 myself—the things I thought I knew then versus what I understand now. Looking
back, you realize how confident you were, yet in hindsight, how little you actually grasped. Is my child ready
for this incredible, sometimes unforgiving, yet often rewarding world?
Your thoughts return to your child—how astonishing it is that they’re 18! You’re transported back to that
unforgettable day they were born. Those first moments meeting your child are so vivid, etched into your
memory forever. Where did the years go? Has it really been 18 years?
Suddenly, you’re strolling down memory lane: their first steps, their first word, their first day of school,
when they learned how to ride a bike, their first touchdown, and... before you know it, their first day of high
school. Then there’s that overwhelming pride, so deep you couldn’t find words to express it. The sports
teams, band concerts, vacation memories, old family traditions and new ones you created together—all
these countless, cherished moments flood your mind.
Our Why
Contemplating Legacy
Confucius said it best,
"We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one."
At some point, every parent must face this reality. Whether it’s the loss of our own parents, a personal health
scare, or another life-altering event close to home, it’s inevitable. The hardest part, though, is imagining a
world where our children must navigate life without us.
What if it happened unexpectedly or suddenly?
Of course, we can address practical matters—drafting a will, making financial plans—but what about the
deeper void left behind? Who would offer them guidance? Who would teach them to protect themselves, to
discern right from wrong, to persevere through adversity? Who would inspire them, show them how to grow
into a man or woman, a father or mother, a good person?
If you were gone, what lessons would you wish you’d taught them? What words would remain unspoken that
you should have shared? The “what-ifs” stretch endlessly, their weight pressing down when you contemplate
the unthinkable.
What would become of our family, our children, if we died—suddenly or otherwise? Would they know what
to do? Have we equipped them to lead successful, fulfilling lives? Have we passed on the hard-earned lessons
we’ve learned? What would we wish we could tell them? What do they need to know for high school, their
first job, or when they start driving? What about when they marry, face relationship struggles, job challenges,
a business setback, a sudden tragedy—or any of the countless trials life throws their way? What will they need
when they start a family and hold their first child? What wisdom will they require as adults?We finally pieced together the concept and devised a plan. We’d create a timeless book, accessible now and
in case tragedy strikes. It would be versatile: our four-year-old could flip through the pictures, our middle
schooler could enjoy the fun, modern pages packed with quick advice, and our graduate could dive into the
deeper lessons, books, and resources we included.
Beyond that, it brought us peace of mind, knowing we could still influence their lives if something
happened. We could instill our traditional values and beliefs, highlight the importance of our traditions, and
equip them to think critically in a world overflowing with information—both empowering and hazardous.
The book would serve as a guide, a place for personal letters written just for them, and a way to watch videos
when they longed to see our faces or hear our voices.
After months of effort, tweaks, and sleepless nights, we crafted something truly special. The day we
presented it to them, Life & Legacy+ was born.
Our mission with Life & Legacy+ is to extend this opportunity to other families. We want parents to
preserve their cherished memories in a life book, create a guide for their children at any life stage, and find
comfort knowing their wisdom can endure long after they’re gone.
As parents, our legacy holds immense value. Our past has forged wisdom to shape a brighter future for our
children. Now, we have a way to capture that wisdom and make it timeless.
From our family to yours, welcome to Life & Legacy+
The Birth of Life & Legacy+
The birth of Life & Legacy+ all started when I began thinking about what to include in the memory book,
and my wife couldn’t hold back tears while crafting the slideshow (don’t worry if your child is still young—
you’ll have your moment to be an emotional wreck too!). As I wandered deep down memory lane, I also
found myself grappling with the unthinkable: Will they remember everything I’ve told them? Should I
write it all down? Create some strange manifesto for them to read after I’m gone?
What began as a graduation gift for our son evolved into something much bigger for all our children—we
just didn’t realize it at first. Sifting through memories, reflecting on what we wanted them to understand,
and considering what they’d need if something happened to us was overwhelming, emotional, and
ultimately inspiring.
That inspiration sparked a frantic search for tools, companies, or even parent templates to help. But
excitement soon turned to frustration—there was no simple solution. After scouring the internet for days,
I realized no one could create this for us; it didn’t exist. I’d have to take it on myself.
But how? A memoir felt odd—would their mom write one too? Should we write everything or record
ourselves talking? Stuff notes in a shoebox? If something happened, would they even find it, or would it get
lost?
We wanted a sentimental photo book to relive years of memories, but also an accessible guide they could
read now, later, or after we’re gone. As our vision crystallized, inspiration struck again, and we began
mapping out the entire framework.
That planning, though, felt like an endless, exhausting process—and it was. How could we pack in a wealth
of knowledge and stories, a full memory lane of photos, plus videos, favorite books, meaningful quotes,
personal letters, tales about them and us, impactful podcasts, and life-changing revelations? Then we
thought of recipes, practical tips, their grandparents’ contributions—and the list kept growing.
