how will you live your life?

[deputy jailer]

I found this poem, after my grandfather died, I hope you enjoy!!!!


The Dash Poem

By 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 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 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.
Remember 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 spent your dash?

[johnbron]

That is a very clever poem and also a very touching poem.

[400lbsonacubseatspring]

The preacher read that at my last Uncle's Funeral.

It seemed to be appropriate, because, well, if you can't say something nice about someone, especially at their funeral, well, sometimes it is best to speak in broad, sweeping generalities, like that poem, and let the bereaved fill in the blanks themselves.......

A generous contribution at the time of death buys a great deal of solice for the widow from the Church, while that same Church might refuse a Church-burial for a much more pious man, who died poor. It mostly depends on the state of the Church's roof at the time, just how charitable they can afford to be.

In any event, love like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tonight, is not a bad message, and I think that's what's at the heart of that poem, all bitterness aside.

Namaste,

--Tom

[Jack fowler]

Very nice Poem but, being in Law enforment, I bet you are around a lot of people with the unspeakable short dashes.

Thanks for your service!

Tom wrote

In any event, love like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tonight….

Sounds like the late 1960’s….

[400lbsonacubseatspring]

Tom wrote

In any event, love like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tonight….

Sounds like the late 1960’s….

I think we're talking about two different kinds of love, here, Jack, but, either way.....LOL

[Bigdog]

Tom wrote

In any event, love like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tonight….

Sounds like the late 1960’s….

I think we're talking about two different kinds of love, here, Jack, but, either way.....LOL

Probably two kinds of living too.

[400lbsonacubseatspring]

Tom wrote

In any event, love like you'll live forever, but live like you'll die tonight….

Sounds like the late 1960’s….

I think we're talking about two different kinds of love, here, Jack, but, either way.....LOL

Probably two kinds of living too.

Well, yes, certainly....

The aim, I think, at the end of one's life, is not to have much in the way of "death-bed regret".

It's a nice dream to think that you could make amends at the end of your existence, but in reality, most people have enough courage of their convictions that they will not forgive your transgressions easily, just because you are dying.

So, then, it is best to keep the number of people you would wish to apologize to very very small, because one never does know with any great certainty, that tomorrow really will bring a new day.

That is what I meant by "live as if you'll die tonight".....because, once in a while, one of us does.....

And, while a $10,000 donation to our local Church at the time of death does buy one the facade of having lived a good life, it really doesn't change the memories of your loved ones very much........

Namaste,

--Tom

[ljw]

A very nice poem, and everyone should make an attempt to achieve this higher understanding of life. The verse that many of us don't pay attention to is to slow down. You miss a lot by moving too fast. Things have an enhanced clarity when taken time to study. "Stop children, hear the sound, everybody look what's going round." Buffalo Springfield? 60's era.

Each one of us should try to be the very best that we are capable of. Keep an open mind. Understand that there are issues in life that each one of us looks at differently. And no one is completely right or completely wrong. Also, people don't always appear as they really are.

In this throw away world, I have to live as best I can, respecting others, etc, without being a doormat. It's very difficult to accomplish.

My Sunday sermon, Larry