We buried the last of my maternal line in late Apr. The pastor that did the service had an inspiring poem that I would like to pass on for your perusal. Standing over a tombstone, looking down at the birthdate and the dash, with the last date yet to be inscribed, it was very powerful. Pat How You Live Your Dash I read of a man who stood to speak At a 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. 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 arranged. If we could just slow down enough To concider 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 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 little 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?