Many times you hear of the passing of someone when it is too late to pay your respects. Or perhaps distance, schedules or other circumstances prevent you from attending a service even if you do find out in a timely manner. I recently discovered a company which addresses these delicate issues surrounding the passing of anyone in your life. Legacy.com is an online media company which provides a forum for people to share memories and express their condolences. Legacy works with over 650 newspapers in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia. Legacy provides a place to post an obituary, sign a guestbook and create a memorial Web site. Legacy also offers other related services such as searchable obits, death notices and family histories. In the business world, we might have hundreds of connections. I might not be able to fly across the country to attend a memorial service, but I certainly like the opportunity to leave behind some lasting thoughts on the dearly departed. It isn’t just limited to the business world, though. According to Production Manager Jason Farber, “We frequently hear from families who are glad they have a place to go to connect with family and friends during this difficult time; from across the country or from another country entirely.” When a card or flowers simply do not express enough, Legacy provides several options which allow you to express your feelings. “People often use our Guest Books to share  their thoughts and condolences when distance prevents them from attending the funeral of a loved one,” Farber explained. There is also the possiblility that you don’t know the person; however, that person made some impact on your life. Perhaps an athlete or poet. Legacy provides you with an outlet for your thoughts. Despite not knowing you, the grieving family can take some comfort in your words and those of others like you. An ad campaign once stated, “It’s the next-best thing to being there.” That’s exactly what Legacy is.  John Wroblewski, distribution specialist