Your Dash

I attended a funeral this past weekend, and let me just tell you, although it is a sad and sorrowful event, it is also one of the most spiritual and peaceful. The spirit that was present at this funeral was indescribable. I firmly believe that the knowledge of where we came from, why we're here, and where we're going enables us to feel peace during these times of loss. At this funeral one of the speakers read the following poem:

                                                                      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 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 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 others 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

                                               And how you spent your dash? 

                                                                       

There is no guarantee as to how much time we're going to have here on this earth. Each day is truly a gift and what we do with our time and energy each day we live is very important. I often find myself saying these phrases; I'll do better tomorrow, I'll call that person tomorrow, I'll tell that person I love them tomorrow; but that's just it, what if we don't have tomorrow? We need to do and be the best we can TODAY. If you knew that today was your last day on earth would you sleep the day away doing nothing and talking to no one? Or would you wake up early to see the sun rise, visit your family and friends, say the words I love you, eat your favorite meals(yes, eating makes my list), stop to smell the roses, laugh until your stomach hurts, say a kind word to a stranger, etc.? I hope that you would do the latter. Make the most of the time you have here on earth. Fill your 'dash' with the things and people you love. Xoxo