Our Final Good Bye

Last night was Nick's memorial - an opportunity to make peace with the passing of our friend.  One of the highlights of the service was the following poem read by a close family friend.  I had never heard it before but was so moved by it that I thought I would share it.  It's a beautiful reminder of what's most important in life. 

The Dash

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 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 about how you spent your dash?

After the service, we joined in the church hall for wine and food, including a dessert table that Nick would had LOVED!  We also played the following video - at tribute to how Nick spent his "dash."  Thanks again to Alan of Artistic Imagery for creating this special video for us.

Comments

[Ali]

I love that poem! I gave a copy to my grandma at my grandpa's funeral - I was too choked up to read it.

[justjulesandjoe]

I was the same way! I couldn't even get half way through the poem without crying :(

[Julio]

Very sorry for your loss. It's apparent Nick was an amazing individual with a great passion for life and the people he loved. This post is a beautiful dedication to your friend.

[justjulesandjoe]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment Julio!

[Dusan Coso]

Thank you all for being great friends to my brother.
I no longer have my best friend, but it is comforting to see that he was a friend of many others and that he left so many positive impressions on people.
Thanks

[justjulesandjoe]

Dusan - your brother was a special gift to all of those who knew him. I think of Nick every day and it inspires me to find the small joys in life, something he had a special talent for. He will forever live in all of our hearts!

[Ashley]

I just heard about Nick's death last night. I knew him from the bank I worked at. We used to chat when he'd come in. Sometimes I'd see him when he worked at Coach in Arden. I am so sad to hear about his passing. I know his mother and brother and feel just terrible for them. Would you mind e-mailing me and telling me what happened? Nick was such a joy to know and it was always apparent the happiness he had for life.

Thank you-
Ashley

[Laura Fragoso]

I'm so sorry for your loss Julie! This poem was read at my Brother's funeral too. It's beautiful! They are always with us no matter what, never forget that!