I thought about reading this at John's funeral but I didn't. Now I wish I would have.
The Dash by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning ...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all...was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved him 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 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 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 you life's actions to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they say... about how you spent your dash?
To my best friend Mary and all the Friedt family
Love you,
Helen
I