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Living The Dash


Sara Arell
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Live the Dash was the poem by Linda Ellis, that was read at my Dad's graveside service in December and it so perfectly described how he lived his life. I miss him terribly - I am who I am because of him - and I'm trying now to Live the Dash.

 

ACA Story of my Life

ASO Artistry

BMU Paint Sheers

OTBDS Paper

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 the years.

For that dash represents all the time

that they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them

know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own,

the cars...the home...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?


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I have seen the quote before but you made it come to life!!! Stunning AJ page...your colors really make it stand out. super work done here.

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Beautifully done, Sara. I wondered if you would do a page inspired by your Daddy. I love those eyes and the sketched flowers. I hope this helped you just a bit!

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Beautifully done, Sara. I wondered if you would do a page inspired by your Daddy. I love those eyes and the sketched flowers. I hope this helped you just a bit!

Thank you, Carla!

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So beautiful, Sara! I had never heard that poem and I too want to live in the dash. Such a beautiful tribute to your daddy!

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Oh Sara, an amazing quote. Scrapped from the heart, I love your colors and the clock and the eyes too.

Incredibly creative and not always easy to put together. A wonderful tribute to your dad.

Bless you!

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I totally agree with the previous comments ! This is very beautiful and a wonderful tribute to your dad ! It's a very inspiring poem too !! Will try to keep it in mind and live by it ;-) !

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This is so stunningly beautiful. I love the poem and the AJ page. We have just had a death in the family. A five month old little boy. His Dash was not nearly long enough. This is such a lovely tribute.

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Guest Doris R

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I too love that poem...what a touching reading for your father's funeral. Beautiful page...love your eyes looking through the page. Wonderful tribute to your father.

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