There are many today who are reflecting on the loved ones they have lost … on 9/11 and on on any other day.
This year has been a year of loss in our family. As many know we lost our grandson Austin to SIDS just days before he was 3 months old. Several months later I lost my dear and cherished friend Cynthia and last month Vic lost his beloved Uncle Little.
Uncle Little’s life was full of love, both giving and receiving. He was the brother that stepped in to help his sister with 3 little children when Vic’s father was tragically killed. He was the Uncle that threw the ball to both Vic and Joel and taught them how to excel at sports and life. He was the unwavering Gator fan who never missed a game unless his nephew was playing for the Seminoles that night. He was the Great Uncle who came to every football game and sports event for Tyler and Carter. He was the good and faithful friend who was always ready to help in any situation. He was a giver and didn’t look for accolades.
I am only sorry that I didn’t get to know him like all the others in attendance at his service because he lived a life that we should all be proud of. During the time of sharing a friend of 49 years stood and mentioned the poem THE DASH and that Uncle Little’s life was full and how blessed we were to have been the recipients how he spent his dash.
So as you remember those you have loved and lost, think about how are YOU spending your dash.
The Dash Poem © 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 spent your dash? - Two resources for you: The Dash MOVIE The Dash BOOK