The Dash

As I am in Kentucky, I am feeling very connected to my Papa and Grandma.  Here are some of their words, and then their favorite poem, which I absolutely love. 

"As we go through life there are many great memories, mixed with memories not so great. . . . . all is not perfect, but life has been good to us."

The Dash

I read of a priest who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend.  

He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning. . . to the end. 

He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, 

But he said that what mattered most of wall 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, you could be at "dash mid-range." 

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 while. 

So, when your eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash, 

Would you be pleased with the things they say about how you spent your dash?

Poem by Linda Ellis

How are you spending your Dash?