How did you live your dash

This month of February is a month that commemorates three deaths: my father who died in 2006 at age 83 and two special ladies in my life. My grandmother Hilda who at the time in 1991 was only 65; and a dear friend and former mother-in-law Shirley Vanleeuwen who passed away a year ago in 2014 at age 86. Even though 86 sounds like a long time, I thought Shirley would live into her 90's the way her mother Mimi did and you always hope for your parents to live longer than their parents.  No matter how old, they seem to go too soon.  The poem I am sharing today is one I think about when someone dies because it makes you reflect on  how you want to live your dash or years given to you in this life.

HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR 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.
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?