of all her titles, I knew Nancie as "mother-in-law" and "dear friend" (how many people can call their MIL a friend?!); however, I believe everyone who knew her would agree she was more than any title... she was gracious, kind (in a truly genuine manner), forgiving, inspiring, dedicated, and courageous to name a few qualities that defined her. After a difficult day at work and coping with losing his only parent, Ryan's boss gave him this poem by Linda Ellis... the words are inspiring
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 of 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?
Nancie's dash was cut short, but the dash she lived was full of love, grace, genuine kindness, and generosity that have inspired me and others who knew and loved her...
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| RIP Nancie... 3-1-11 |
