This arrived in my sisters e-mail just a few weeks before my mothers death. I know that my mother lived her dash just the way it is described here. How about you?

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 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?

Author Unknown

-- Betsy K (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), January 16, 2001

Answers

Wow...really makes you think,gave me goose bumps. Thank You

-- renee oneill{md.} (oneillsr@home.com), January 16, 2001.

Betsy oh how true these words are. I had never really looked at it this way but you are so right. You know this is really what I need to hear today, my mother past away a year ago is Nov. and for this past 3 days I have been at the hospital with my father who as had several strokes in the past few days this makes you really want to sit back and think about how your life has been and how changes in your life need to be made! Thank you and God Bless.

-- tracy emily in TN (emilyfarms@tsixroads.com), January 16, 2001.

I showed this to Lynn. She said she wants to make my marker with the dates listed born-died... to give me a little more than just the dash. :)

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), January 18, 2001.

Life is short. One of my best friend's daughter's died in May. It is unbelievable how many lives she touched with her cheery disposition and peaceful spirit! She died the day after her 11th birthday. I hope to have as many friends when my time is over here as that little girl had. And to make so many people happy! What a Blessing she was and is in our memory!

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), January 19, 2001.

I seem to be dashing through life, all right....

-- sheepish (WA) (rborgo@gte.net), January 19, 2001.

Hey Sheepish, you have dashed into our hearts! You always make me laugh!

-- Nan (davidl41@ipa.net), January 19, 2001.