Coach Lou Holtz and The Dash poem
I have had the wonderful and unique opportunity to meet some influential people as a direct result of my writing The Dash poem. However, when I heard from Coach Lou Holtz, I was deeply touched, knowing he was more than a coach, he was an icon. I had in previous years, received email from those who had heard him recite The Dash poem as a part of his speeches, and they were moved to tears. I remember wishing I’d been sitting in the audience beside them, so I could have heard his heartfelt recitation first-hand.
I recall feeling both honored and flattered that this respected leader, a legend in sports and in the motivational arena, appreciated my words enough to include them in his talks. I’d been so inspired by his words in the past, and now I had the opportunity to return the favor and inspire him, with mine.
Having stayed close through the years with my three older brothers, I was already familiar with Coach Holtz’s legendary career. Reading some of his inspirational quotes, I quickly realized why he related so well to the words of The Dash poem. Many quotes I’d read of his literally paralleled the concept behind the poem:
“Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.”
“If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven’t done anything today.”
“You’ll never get ahead of anyone as long as you try to get even with him.”
The Dash seems to have the unique ability to reach those who believe in, and are able to share, its message on a large-scale basis and therein lies the power of The Dash.
- Linda Ellis
A Comment about “The Dash” poem from Coach Lou Holtz
Dear Linda,
I can’t honestly tell you how this poem “The Dash” has affected my life, but hopefully it affected other people when I used it. I’d always tried to make every day count and not count the days, and hopefully I’ve been a good example for other people to follow. However, that’s not for me to evaluate, but God will some day. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Lou Holtz
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Dear Linda,
I first read your precious poem through a video attached with an email from Simple Truths. I took the liberty of sharing it at my mother’s memorial service this past January in tribute to her and to give something special to each one present that day to think about within their own lives. Thank you for sharing “The Dash” with all of us!