That person is a success...
who has lived well, laughed often
and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent people,
and the love of children;
who has filled a unique niche
and accomplished his or her task;
who leaves the world better than before,
whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
who never lacked appreciation of the earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others
and gave the best he or she had.
Adapted from the work of
Robert Louis Stevenson