On September 11, 2001, two airplanes slammed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Though many stories have been told about this tragic event, none are more compelling than those told by the family members who received phone calls from people trapped in the towers. These people knew their lives were coming to an end and there was nothing they could do about it. When faced with that reality, many of them spent their last moments on this Earth on their cell phones talking to the people they loved and cared about. At that moment they were not concerned about their house, or car or bank account … only about making a personal connection with their loved ones. In his bestselling book , Half Time, Bob Buford suggests that most of us have two distinct phases of our lives. The first half of our life is often spent on a Search for Success, with the second half focused more on a Search for Significance. Often this second phase begins in our 40s as we realize that the pursuit of wealth and the gathering of possessions is empty and meaningless.  Obviously the earlier in life we reach this understanding, the longer we have to pursue things that really matter. One of the saddest scenarios is the person who reaches the end of life with no one at their side because they never invested in the only thing of value: other people.  A few years ago I was challenged to think about what kind of legacy I wanted to leave on this Earth. A wise mentor asked me to sit down with pen and paper and develop an order of service for my own funeral.  Identifying who would welcome the guests, who would speak, who would sing or pray and who would serve as pallbearers was a strange, but revealing, exercise. I was also challenged to think about who would be sitting in those front rows reserved for my closest and dearest family and friends.  Finally, I was encouraged to imagine what those people would say about me and whether they would feel like I added value to their lives.  Adding value starts with service—to our families, our friends, our colleagues, our communities.  One thing I love about K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club and CKI is that they introduce the concepts of service and leadership at such a young age. Imagine if we could start more people on the path to significance long before their 30th birthdays.  As Kiwanis members and leaders, each of us has an opportunity to create a legacy of leadership and service to others. It is never too late—or too early—to become a person of passion and caring. But don’t wait too long … the world needs you.