What does it mean to create an enduring legacy? When we think of a legacy, we often think in terms of financial wealth. How much will we pass on to the next generation or to worthwhile charities? And while these are certainly noble things, they do not fully encompass the notion of legacy.
My personal reflections on legacy are centered around the passing on the values you hold dear, and in my family those conversations are often held over a wonderful meal. I am very fortunate to be married to a talented chef. A chef who has blessed our family with the gift of freshly prepared meals using locally grown foods that nurture both mind and body. Every birthday, holiday or ordinary Wednesday night dinner has been an opportunity to learn about food, prompt fun conversations and share the immense joy of eating delicious food that is skillfully prepared with love.
To this day, one of my children’s favorite birthday traditions is getting to select the components of their birthday meal. I fondly remember when my youngest son, who was six at the time, asked for saffron risotto with braised lamb shanks for his birthday dinner, followed by tiramisu instead of cake for dessert. That is when I began to fully realize the lifelong lessons my children were learning through their mother’s love of food.
- Education: Food can be an excellent introduction to learning about other cultures. Why do certain people eat the food they do, and what can we learn from them? It is interesting that many dishes that are now considered haute cuisine, such as lobster, began as the food of commoners born out of necessity.
- Intellectual curiosity: While kids love a good cheeseburger, there is a whole world of other delicious foods ready to discover. Being open to trying new things is so important in life. We don’t know what we don’t know, and the pursuit of knowledge is both exciting and humbling. Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons.
- Good food equals good health. A meal made with fresh ingredients is not only delicious but nutritious. While we all know that ultra-processed foods are bad for the body, they are also convenient, cheap and very tasty. It is hard to maintain our health over a lifetime without being intentional about what we eat. Not dieting, but rather eating fresh food that nurtures. Exposing kids at an early age to real food from different cultures can open their eyes to the fact that nutritious food can also taste amazing.
- Connection point: A meal is a natural connection point to share stories and forge deeper bonds. In the technology age we all live in, making time to deepen human relationships is essential. It is also a great way to teach kids how to verbally communicate well with others. One of the small traditions we enjoyed at our family meals was having one child explain something they were very excited about and why. It was both fun and educational, but I’m not sure it would have happened without a shared meal as a connection point.
- Follow your passion: My wife’s passion for cooking began in college. While looking for a part-time job, she noticed a help-wanted ad seeking an assistant cook/baker with no previous experience. How odd. She took the position and discovered she both loved cooking and was naturally gifted at it, leading her to pursue a culinary degree at the Culinary Institute of America—the other CIA—after graduating from college. From this one little spark, our future family was changed for the better. It is always fun to see how one’s pursuits can bless those around them in unexpected ways.
At PYA Waltman Capital, we help families define and plan for their legacies. While this often involves quantitative matters such as money, the most enduring legacies surround the life lessons and values that endure through generations. And when those are conveyed through a well-prepared meal, then you have a bountiful legacy. Cheers to that!
PYA Waltman Capital is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYA Waltman Capital’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which are available upon request. PYA-26-61.