Hello Again,

I have heard this poem many times throughout the years but was reminded of it again at the funeral o f our daughter Jill’s friend Stacey. Dear and funny Stacey died in a car accident way too young, her short life was from 1 988-2012, but during that time she touched countless others with her giving heart, huge smile and infectious humor. I’d like to share t his poem by Linda Ellis with you all.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning..to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears, 1964-1994

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’s being read

With your life’s actions to rehash.

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

God bless, have a safe and happy summer and always remember in your dealings with others that they are part of your “dash”.