Anna Harp’s dad, Rudolph Clausing, was known as the funniest, kindest, and most selfless person she had ever encountered. He remained true to himself and generously shared his time with his loved ones, especially his daughter Anna. However, Clausing tragically passed away at the age of 66 on Jan. 13, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. The pandemic circumstances prevented Anna and her family from being with him in his final moments.
After his passing, Anna’s mother collected his belongings from the hospital and discovered a poignant note that Clausing had left behind. The note simply read, “It has been such a good life.” This heartfelt message became a cherished possession for Anna, who has since tattooed these words on her leg as a lasting tribute to her father’s contentment and fulfillment with his life.
Anna, now a 33-year-old wedding photographer and content creator in Siloam Springs, Ark., treasures the note and its message deeply. She hopes to live her life in a way that mirrors her father’s contentment and wishes to pass on this gift of fulfillment to her own son. The note symbolizes the last selfless act of love that Clausing could offer his family.
About a year after Clausing’s passing, a company called Moments Grove came across Anna’s posts about the note and her tattoo on social media. They reached out to her and offered to create a framed, 3D-printed version of the note. Delighted by the idea, Anna shared the note with them, and they crafted a beautiful framed piece, which she proudly displays in her kitchen. The artwork serves as a daily reminder for Anna to live her life with the same grace and contentment as her father did.
Recently, Anna shared her touching story about the note on TikTok, which unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 1.6 million views and 900 heartfelt comments. The overwhelming response from people resonating with her father’s simple yet profound message further emphasized the enduring impact of his words.
The note, Clausing’s final gift to his family, continues to inspire Anna and countless others to live life with gratitude and fulfillment, just as he did.
“It was heartbreaking to go through the comments,” she says. “There are countless similar stories, and it’s saddening that so many others have experienced this kind of pain. It’s remarkable how grief is a universal thread that binds us all together.” Moving forward, Harp intends to leave the note in its current place, prominently displayed in her home. She envisions that if she and her family relocate, she will find a new location to showcase the artwork proudly. “I wish for our son and future grandchildren to uphold those words and eventually hang them in their own home,” she adds. “I hope they remember my father and his wisdom, keeping his spirit alive. I hope they lead fulfilling lives, just as he did.” Source: People
