This past weekend, we celebrated the one-hundredth birthday of my Aunt Lillie, the matriarch of our Ballard Clan.

Her life has been simple and amazing at the same. She was the fifth of twelve children growing up on a farm in White Plains, SC. Picking cotton, milking cows, chasing goats, and putting up all kinds of vegetables for the winter months were normal activities of her entire childhood.

Education was the purpose of her life. She taught hundreds of children and served as a principal, inspiring many. Her husband died at a young age, so she raised her two children on her own. When her grandchildren came along, she was always there to lend a helping hand.

Curiosity led her to travel the world and to experience many cultures. She brought back tales of her adventures to China and beyond to share with all of us back here in South Carolina.

As I reflect on her many accomplishments, I have to ponder … if I make it to 100, will I have made a difference? If you make it to 100, will you have made a difference?

When our children, grandchildren, and yes, maybe our great-grandchildren ask us about the decisions we made what will we say?

Did we work together to make the US the leader in solving the worlds energy problems? Did we move the country toward the best education in the world? Were we part of a remarkable solution to the tough health care situation facing our country in the 21st century?

I have tremendous respect and admiration for my aunt. As we face numerous challenges, let’s make sure that our legacy is one that we can be proud of when, and if, we are fortunate enough to celebrate our 100th birthdays!