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?"

Dedicated.....To....The One I Love!

Tragedy struck late yesterday afternoon.........it happened so suddenly that I had little time to react.......one moment it was sitting on my cutting table.............the next........B A M............it had landed awkwardly on the cement floor.........What you might ask, am I talking about??????????.......................Why, my can't live without, always with me, very precious

CAMERA - Sony Digital Cyber-shot

See that very blurry picture of the project I'm working on?????............No, I'll bet you can't see it very clearly...........that's because I had to take it using my webcam..............booooo whooooooo.....big fat tears.....followed by some choice words...#!$%~^&!*~()~~_)!(*&&^!%........then a giant SIGH......and more tears.
So, I'm dedicating this post to my beloved Sony in preparation for the next camera......Farewell old friend!

I Dedicate

The other day we lost a sweet and wonderful soul. By her smile anyone could tell that she was open, loving and kind with just a little touch of mischief. I was fortunate to teach Candace when she was in the fourth grade. She was a joy to be around, the type of child that made life in the classroom exciting. I also taught Art (drawing) and Candace caught on right away. Throughout her years in high school she kept up her drawing activities. When I heard that Candace had passed away, words failed the depth of sorrow I felt. But as the news sank in, I began to think of all the lives she touched in her years here on this earth, how kind and sweet she was to all she came in contact with. When so many young people are in the hurry up and grow up and are so self absorbed, she always sought out, giving of herself to help others. So I wanted to dedicate this post to you, Candace. Your beautiful spirit is now free!