Today was my grandma’s memorial, celebration of life, service.  It was beautiful. First, the pastor spoke, followed by my uncle, who gave the Eulogy, two of my cousin’s kids spoke of their memories then, my brother and three cousins all spoke on behalf of each family.  We are all blessed to have known, loved, and been loved by such an amazing woman. We all have fantastic memories of my grandma: her humour, caring, love, many many meals. Family dinners. The love and support she gave each of us will impact all of us for the rest of our lives. Indeed the pastor was right, we are surrounded by love and that is the legacy that grandma leaves. She truly was the matriarch of a family, the rock and the cornerstone.  She has left many lessons of love, patience, kindness and she is giving me pause as I consider my priorities and what impact I want to leave when I reach such a wise age.
One of my cousins read a poem. It’s a published poem, written by Linda Ellis. Full credit belongs to her, I take none. But I do want to share it because it makes me stop and think.  How do I live my dash? When people are remembering me, what will they remember of my dash?  Ms. Ellis, I’d like to say thank you for this poem. My family thanks you for this poem. It was read today at the memorial of a woman to truly lived her dash well. She is an example to us all.

The Dash

copyright 1996 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 other 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 about how you spend your dash?