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 said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that she had spent alive on the 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 most is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about it 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 is true and real,

And try to understand the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,

And love the people in our lives like we've never loved them before.

Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,

Remembering this special dash might only last a 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?