Three words scrawled across an enormous chalkboard on Market Street are making people stop and think: “Before I die …”

Beneath the words are lines waiting to be filled with the end of the sentence. Since Monday, plenty have stopped to share their dreams. Some of the answers border on whimsical, others matter-of-fact, but the ones that have stood out — “love myself completely,” “visit the Holy Land,” “be the best parent I can be,” “know my self-worth” — speak to a deeper contemplation of self, according to Amy Brewer, hospice care consultant and community educator with Community Home Care & Hospice.

“That shows that people are really thinking about what’s important in life,” Brewer said.

The Market Street sign is part of a global initiative started by artist Candy Chang after she lost a loved one. The original “Before I die” wall was created on an abandoned house in New Orleans. Years later, more than 2,000 walls have been created in 38 languages in 76 countries. The stencils are free to anyone who wants to build a wall, so when Brewer teamed up for the project with Lori Leggett, the supervisor for the adult and aging division of Beaufort County Department of Social Services, they enlisted the help of Washington High School’s shop class to build the portable chalkboard. Brewer said the wall is a way to incorporate the greater community — anyone can participate — and it falls in line with the “Before I die” mission of common humanity, contemplation of mortality and better understanding what it means to be human. Throughout the month of April, the “Before I die” wall will reside against the north wall of Rachel K’s Bakery, Brewer said.

So far, it’s generated quite a bit of interest, response and contemplation about both life and death.

“I think it’s just to open up the conversation about dying. Life is about living, but accepting the fact that death is what we all face. This makes you focus on life and living fully,” Brewer said. “It allows people a moment to reflect.”

Working in hospice, Brewer is familiar with those who’ve reached the end of their lives only to find lingering regrets.

“We definitely have seen families where patients have asked to see certain people, to mend a relationship, or do that one more thing, or see that place one more time,” Brewer said. “I think this kind of thing makes people think sooner rather than later. It makes people appreciate the small things and appreciate life.”

For now, the wall will be photographed and erased daily. While it will stay at Rachel K’s for the month, it will likely move to the Stewart Parkway office of Community Home Care & Hospice after April. But Brewer said they’d be happy to loan the wall out.

“If places around town are interested in having it, they can contact us, as long as the city approves. We can put it at different events,” she said.

Those interested in hosting the “Before I die” wall can call 252-946-0312.