My Sister's Dash

On July 14 at approximately 1:30pm my sister Kathryn lost her strong fought battle with MS. For many we were stunned by the fact it was way to soon. But during her short lifetime of only 35 years, she managed to teach people to love, to laugh, how to have strength, and to never give up. Last December when we lost our father my sister took the time to shared this poem from Linda Ellis with me. Today I feel that it is only fitting to share it with you today.

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.

by Linda Ellis

God Bless Kathryn. May she rest in peace.