He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said that 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.
You could be at "mid-dash range."

Are there people that you've left behind?
Things you've left unsaid?
Words you need to think again?
Fences you need to mend?

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.

Can we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile ...
Remembering that this special dash
will only last awhile.

So, when your eulogy's being read
and your life is being rehashed,
Would you be proud of what they have to say
about how you spent your dash?

Author Unknown

Found on www.family-reunion.com