"The Dash"

We've been speaking in a few wards lately. We've gone to Warwick Ward & the Singles Ward in Rhode Island; Derry, New Hampshire, & Georgetown, Massachusetts. I tell the story of "The Dash", that we were given from the organ donation people after Nathan passed away. Every time, I am asked if I have a copy & would share it. I decided that I would share it on our blog because it fits our mission.

"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 & 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 & 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 & love...& how we spend our dash.

So think about this long & 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 & real...& always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger & show appreciation more & love the people in our lives...like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect & 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?"

We hope & pray that our "dash" here in the Boston Temple has made a little difference.