Monday, May 19, 2008

The Dash

my mom is so cute, and everyday she sends me an email titled "moms daily tid bits". they are all different. sometimes they have 'this day in history' events, quotes, or just random interesting facts. today i got to the office and checked my email, and of course i found the daily tid bit for today. it was a poem, "the dash" by linda ellis. i had never heard it before, and i loved it. it really made me think, and i made a personal commitment to try and be more patient and appreciative toward the people in my life. we only have such a short time here, and what is it worth if we arnt constantly trying to better ourselves and make the best of everything we are given? so enjoy! the following link is the video of the poem with music in the background:

http://www.thedashmovie.com/

for those of you that dont have speakers here are the words too, if you can though watch the movie bc i think its better. have a good day yall!

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 the date of her 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
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
And how you spend your dash?

5 comments:

knjfabela said...

What a great poem! I am just sitting here thinking,"Am I letting Kaiya grow up without "really" enjoying her." Sometimes I just look forward to bedtime when I can have time to myself. I guess I won't be doing that anymore. Thanks for posting this!

Julie said...

Hey, guys! I love getting your comments on my blog! We need to get together soon. We miss you guy!!
Hugs,
Julie

Brad said...

Hey, this is BJ's mission buddy Brad... have him email me at bweinert10@gmail.com. Thanx!

Amber Larsen said...

Very sweet; you're mom is so cute.

Monson Family said...

I really like this poem as well. My grandma always reads this to everyone ( I think she forgets that she's already read it to us). Your little puppies are so cute!!!! Labs are the best.