I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of 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 they spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved you 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?
He lived a life of sun and storm, a hand that toiled, a heart kept warm.
With calloused hands and spirit free, he carved his path for all to see.
No words of scripture, prayers, or creed, defined the life he chose to lead. But in his actions, strong and bold, a story of a life unfolds. From boyhood dreams, the ocean's call, he sailed the seas, embracing all. The wind his guide, the waves his friend, adventures that would never end.
He met each challenge, head held high, beneath a vast and endless sky.
He worked with grit, and played with glee, a joyful soul, wild and free. Now silent waves and endless blue, reflect the life he journeyed through. Though earthly anchors now are cast, his spirit sails, the die is passed. So raise a glass, let memories gleam, of a life well-lived, a vibrant dream. The tide has turned, his course is set, he's sailing on, we won’t forget.
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not for long and not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that once we shared, miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone. It’s all part of the master plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do, miss me, but let me go.
The measure of a man is not determined by his show of outward strength, or the volume of his voice. Or the thunder of his actions, or of his intellect or academic abilities. It is seen rather in terms of the love that he has for his family and for everyone. In the strength of his commitments, the genuineness of his friendships, the sincerity of his purpose. The quiet courage of his convictions, the fun, laughter, joy and happiness he gives to his family and to others. His love of life, his patience and his honesty, and his contentment with what he has
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple with a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves, and satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells, and run my stick along the public railings, and make up for the sobriety of my youth. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain, and pick the flowers in other people’s gardens, and learn to spit. You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat, and eat three pounds of sausages at a go or only bread and pickle for a week. And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry, and pay our rent and not swear in the street, and set a good example for the children. We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practise a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised, When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Speak of me as you have always done, remember the good times, laughter, and fun. Share the happy memories we’ve made, do not let them wither or fade. I’ll be with you in the summer’s sun, and when the winter’s chill has come. I’ll be the voice that whispers in the breeze, I’m peaceful now, put your mind at ease. I’ve rested my eyes and gone to sleep, but memories we’ve shared, are yours to keep. Sometimes our final days, maybe a test, but remember me, when I am at my best. Although things may not be the same, don’t be afraid to use my name. Let your sorrow last for just a while, comfort each other and try to smile. I’ve lived a life full of joy and fun, live on now, make me proud of what you’ll become.
I sit beside the fire and think of all that I have seen, Of meadow flowers and butterflies, in summers that have been, of yellow leaves and gossamer in autumns that there were. With morning mist and silver sun and wind upon my hair. I sit beside the fire and think, of how the world will be, when winter comes without a spring that I shall ever see. For still there are so many things, that I have never seen. In every wood in every spring, there is a different green. I sit beside the fire and think of people long ago. And people who will see a world that I shall never know. But all the while I sit and think of times there were before I listen for returning feet and voices at the door.
Few things are as fleeting as footprints in the sand, sometimes we walk alone, and sometimes hand in hand. Both paths tell a story, that waves may wash away, as long as we have the memory, they live with us each day. Come to the beach and remember, make some footprints of your own, And think of days now absent, and the memories we’ve known. The water can be healing, It always was for me, just take time to remember, and I think that you will see.
I'd like to leave but daffodills to mark my little way, To leave but tulips red and white behind me as I stray, I'd like to pass away from earth and feel I'd left behind. But roses and forget-me-nots for all who come to find. I'd like to sow the barren spots with all the flowers of earth, To leave a path where those who come should find but gentle mirth, And when at last I'm called upon to join the heavenly throng , I'd like to feel along my way, I'd left no sign of wrong.
And yet the cares are many and the hours of toil are few, There is not time enough on earth for all I'd like to do, But, having lived and having toiled, I'd like the world to find Some little touch of beauty that my soul had left behind.
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I‘d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when my life is done.
Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye, look for me in rainbows, way up in the sky. In the morning sunrise when all the world is new, just look for me and love me, as you know I love you. Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye, look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky. In the evening sunset, when all the world is through, just look for me and love me and I’ll be close to you. It won’t be forever, the day will come and then my loving arms will hold you, When we meet again. Time for us to part now, we won’t say goodbye, look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky. Every waking moment and all your whole life through, just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you. Just wish me near to you, and I’ll be there with you.
You built a garden in my soul with every hug you made me whole, You planted kindness watered grace and left a smile upon my face. Your laughter was the morning light your spirit carried me through the night. Your voice was steady, soft, and true, a song that still rings clear and new. Though heaven called your spirit home, I’ll never walk this earth alone. Everywhere your touch remains, in sunshine, love, and gentle rains. The garden blooms because of you, colours so bright under skies of blue. Your spirit on lives in all we share, to show me that you’re always there.