C. Blaine Hyatt spent hours in his father's repair shop as a boy, listening to others tell fascinating stories.

Fascinated by their strategies for navigating challenges-and the times in which they lived-he set about writing this collection of stories to preserve their collective history.

One lesson he hopes readers will take away is that the things of this world do not matter in the big picture. No one cares what kind of car you have or what position you held. None of the things of this world that we often place so much value on matter much, if at all.

When all is said and done, there are really only two things that last: What we have become and the legacy we leave-as in the effect, either good or bad, we have had on others.

As you read these stories, the author hopes you will be aware that the water in your life is still flowing under your bridge. Take the time to become who and what you want to be and consider what legacy you will leave with others.