The dash inbetween.

I decided to start a new blog, one to record MY dash inbetween. Seeing some very much loved family members die over the last few years, it got me thinking, What does my dash mean? What will I be remembered for? What WILL my dash mean to others after Im gone.

Here is a little poem about the meaning of the dash inbetween:

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,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the “dash” between those years. (1934 -1998)

For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth...and now only those who loved herknow 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 live 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”?

Linda Ellis