There once was a man who gave the eulogy at the funeral of a close friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone....from the beginning to the end.
This is what he said:
.
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?
.