Dash

The following poem has been read at a couple of funerals I attended lately. It struck me how deeply the poem affected me. I think we all want to matter, make a difference, do the right thing ..... as we live out our lives .... I think is particular poem made me more aware of those thoughts as I strive to do more.

Life Between the "Dash"
By: Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates of her tombstone
from the beginning ... to the end.

He noted that first came date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the "dash" between those years.

For that "dash" represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth ...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars ... the house ... the cash,
what matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our "dash."

So think about this long and hard ...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
 to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile ...
remembering that this special "dash"
might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash ...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your "dash?"