Friday, November 20, 2009

Ode to Dorothy

Today I attended the funeral of a dear friend. Dorothy was into her 90's (a lady does not disclose her age even for her obituary) and one of the deareast ladies I have had the honor to meet.
I learned that she did not like to be seen without her legs covered, her hair done, her hearing aids in and with her glasses on.
In her hands at most times were her glasses case and a tissue.
She also loved kisses and hugs. She had a gentle touch.
I paid my last respects to a dear lady today and my life is better for taking care and knowing her.
The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the date 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 a tear
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 car, 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 "dash mid-range")

If we could just slow down long 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 said
about how you spent your dash?

by Linda Ellis

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