Touched by THE DASH
Have you been touched by The Dash?
This is the place to share your story about how The Dash poem has played a part in your life, or the life of someone you know. Scroll down to read stories and and share how you’ve been touched by The Dash.
The Dash’s “Dash”
I’ve used the term “The Dash’s Dash” because this creation, this unique combination of 241 words, has literally created a life, and therefore a dash, of its own. Its “birth” occurred in 1996 when I wrote the poem, and yet the date of its demise will never be a reality. Its own life is infinite, its legacy carved in stone, and it will live on long after the footprints its creator has left on earth have faded. I’ve come to humbly realize that somewhere inside these simple stanzas lies the mystery and complexity of life. Its rhythmic message subconsciously forces the reader to be suddenly, keenly aware the brevity of it all. It has touched more lives than anyone could ever imagine or calculate, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
I compare it to a seed I’d planted many years ago, which quickly sprouted and 
continues to grow exponentially being constantly cultivated by the millions of souls inspired by its message. It’s unfathomable to me the number of loving legacies, rerouted journeys, smiles worn and tears shed as a result of my writing this work.
The Dash poem continues touching lives
and touching hearts around the world!
As a rational person who requires tangible evidence to sway my opinion, I must admit I’ve come to believe in, and accept, the concept that this poem has a unique purpose and a reason for its creation and existence. Maybe propelled by a higher power or force of nature, or maybe just sheer coincidence, but how else can one explain its profound effect on the world having been originated by one woman without the wherewithal or resources at the time to launch such an explosive inspiration into the world? I was busy living my own dash, while the poem was out working its magic. It took me many years, and countless stories of this inspiration reaching the lives of those who need it, when they need it, to truly believe in its power. Though still bewildered, I no longer doubt its abilities.
I was complimented in an interview recently, where the gentleman said in reference to the more than 300,000 “The Dash” products sold, “it’s very impressive where you’ve taken The Dash poem.” I replied, “it’s more impressive where The Dash poem has taken me…”
- Linda Ellis
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Watch C-SPAN video of Bob Dole reciting The Dash poem during a speech
Read about American Idol Winner David Cook and how he’s been Touched by The Dash
July 12,2012 was the first time I had ever heard the poem.I was at a Memorial service for my daughter who had passed on May 5,2012. It was put on by her Hospice group.I loved it. I never had ever thought that little line was our whole life. It is so small,a straight line, and yet how could our whole life be defined by it.Its almost sad to think, is that all we were? Will people even know us or all that we were on earth.I guess after we are gone,they”ll soon forget. And when they read our tombstone, our birth to death, it will just be separated with, a Dash. And everything in between will be unknown.
My sister used “The Dash” to set up her bio on our mom at her funeral this past week. It went over very well and really made me think how little my dash was. It has motivated me to do more with my time left. Thx much Janie!
Thank you so much for your poem. I’m 14 years old, and I love it. It was first introduced to me at my Aunt’s funeral when I was eleven. I am so thankful that I understand the true meaning of The Dash. Many people will never understand. They will spend their time on this earth hating instead of loving. I do not have a perfect life, but my outlook on it is bright. It is MY life. As everyone else’s lives are THEIRS. I intend to live my life to it’s fullest potential. This poem has been read at many other funerals since, and I smile when I hear it. Because I know that my loved ones lived their Dash the right way, and I know I got to spend it with them. Thank you so VERY much. You have enriched my Dash.
Linda,
You spoke at the ABA meeting in 2007 – Sorry I can not remember what state I was in.
My mom was dying and you gave me a copy of the book “Dash”.
I remember you saying it was not the date beginning or the end date it was The Dash that mades a difference.
I have tried to live by that. Thank you so much for the book!!
At the age of just 49, my loving, giving and caring mother had suddenly passed in her sleep. Being a woman who had abused alcohol and drugs to numb the heartache of a painful past, she came across this poem and seemed to nurture it for some strange reason. I can remember her reading it to me aloud in her bedroom, never knowing thAt we would one day part. Upon her death, we had found this poem in her wallet, never toofar from her reach. I decided it would be suitable to read at her funeral, and so we did. This poem means more than just words to me, it means my mother is still with me and always will be, for she spent her dash trying to be the best mother she could be
We attended the funeral of a friend yesterday. The minister quoted your poem and about how short my friends ‘dash’ had been (she was only 46) when cancer took her from us.
Thank you for writing such a great poem and how meaningful it is to all of us. I immediately went out and spend some quality ‘dash’ time with my daughter.
So, RIP Paula Renee Bigham – Dalton GA, USA
1/1/66 “-” 4/28/12
We were at the cemetery early. We checked each other’s dress blue uniforms, red berets and white gloves to make sure everything was in order when our Brother’s casket arrived. We also checked our emotions.
All but the two youngest of us had served with the fallen Soldier in Iraq in 2003. One of them had become quite anxious during the flight to the funeral. When I asked what was wrong the Private confessed he was terrified of flying. “You’re a paratrooper. How can you be afraid of flying?” He answered, “I’ve never landed in a plane before. Every one I’ve gotten in I’ve jumped out of.”
It seemed like a good time to provide some levity so I shared the private’s story.
Soon the friends and family arrived. We moved the casket into place and maintained our military bearing throughout the echo of the bugle, comfort of the minister’s words and jolt of the 21 gun salute. We slowly folded the flag and stood, stiff jawed as it was handed to a mother who had lost her only son.
Afterward we walked through the cemetery. When we’d gone far enough to be out of sight of the remaining friends and family I stood beside a gravestone and recited Linda Ellis’ poem, The Dash. Every warrior wept.
The poem reminded us that we have no control over the day of our birth or death but we do choose our actions and priorities during that time in between. The Dash was not just a comfort to us as survivors but a challenge. I believe all of us took the challenge in those words to heart that day. I know I did and so did our First Sergeant. I shared The Dash again two years ago at his memorial service.
I had the privilege of hearing Linda Ellis speak recently. Her story is pure inspiration. If you ever get the chance to see her in person you must. I’m not easily moved or impressed but Linda accomplished both.
My only son Jimmy, passed away February 23, 2011. I had heard the poem recited prior to his death. However, Jimmy lived his “dash” for sure. For the short 39 years that he walked the earth, he touched so many, was so loving, and I am so thankful that he was my son.
Thank you for sharing your poem.
I’m a recovering alcoholic. I was a couple of months sober when I read the poem. Along with many other things that for the first time made a lot of sense, this poem was definitely one of them. I was being given another chance to define my dash. I use the poem as a reference often. I read it when I speak at meetings, and even used it at my youngest daughters Senior year banquet in high school. That was almost 9 years ago.
Words are cheap, actions are everything, and the mark we leave on the people we are blessed to come in contact with means everything. Every day “The Dash” is a bar against which I measure progress. Thank you for making a difference in my life.
My Aunt Gloria was only 22 months old when i was born so we grew up more like sisters than auntie and niece. Her beloved husband died way to young and she was crushed…. soon afterwards a very thoughtful person gave her a framed copy of The Dash Poem. Later, i remember one morning so well (as we sat around my grandmothers dining room table) she read it to all of us. Needless to say there was nary a dry eye in the house. So very moving and so very touching!! Just a precious few years later she left this world too… and that day and the poem is still a comfort and precious memory to me. Thank You Linda, for the blessings & comfort that this poem has brought to so many!
A friend shared your poem with me a few years ago as my father was struggling with lung cancer. He passed away shortly after that and your poem touched my heart so much I read it at his service. I ended the poem by telling everyone how proud we were of his “dash” and that I only hoped that I could love up to his example.
Since that time I have shared your poem with a number of friends that have also lost a family member and many of them have shared it as well.
Thanks you so much for sharing with us your wonderful work.
Got my first tattoo to “Live My Dash” love it!
http://www.checkoutmyink.comhttp://s3.amazonaws.com/ink_prod/photos/0323/8995/IMG_1130.jpg
So I’m just an 18 year old girl…but this year I experienced tragedy that many people may never experience. Freshman year, my best friend since kindergarten and I took creative writing together, and my teacher gave us “The Dash” to analyze. We both loved it so much…and I held onto that original copy. I feel like I’ve known Allie my entire life… She knew me better than I knew myself. She was my crutch, my love, my light…I commonly referred to myself as Frodo and her as my Samwise Gamgee. In 2011, I lost my grandpa, the first person close to me who died, but I was only present for a private viewing. I never knew what death really destroyed in people other than myself. But on October 15, Minooka Community High School lost a beloved senior, Mitch Fajman, to Lake Michigan’s turbulent waters. I was sad. I mean, I knew him. But exactly one week later, I learned exactly what the boys who were with him when he died experienced. I got a call on October 22 from Allie’s uncle. She had died instantly from an extremely rare heart defect. She had just turned 18 and applied to college…I sort of became her spokesperson at all the events held for her. Since I was the shy writer, I seemed to be the only one who had the right words to say. Since I had grown close to her family, I still pay her mom visits to keep her company. Well, when I came over for the first time, Allie’s face decorated every inch of the home. And on the dining room table, next to her senior picture, was a piece of paper I vaguely recognized. When I got closer, I realized that the poem framed next to her smile was the worn and folded copy of “The Dash” we had both received years ago. I took out her prayer card and unfolded my copy that I had wrapped around it…her mother burst into tears. When accepting her award for Best Smile at our Senior Banquet, I read the first stanza of the poem and based my entire speech off it. I have transformed from the silent, meek girl Allie first met into a leader and a person who I love almost as much as I loved Allie. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for getting this inspiration onto paper.
<3 Allison “Wonderland” Rivera <3
When my Granddaughter Allison passed away October 22nd, 2012 it was devastating. My mother had just passed away in April, 2012, but this was different. My mom was 87 and had lived a full life. But, Allie was only 18 and she had her whole life ahead of her. It wasn’t fair and I was angry at God! I was heart broken and went through all of the grieving process in a daze.
Shortly after, my daughter and I were looking for something to give Allie’s mom. We were at a Christian bookstore and came across the beautiful poem “The Dash” We both stood there and cried. I knew at that moment that I couldn’t be angry at God or anyone. I knew that Allie lived her Dash in every sense of the word and God chose her for that very reason.
One of her friends, Michelle Landahl read a tribute to her about the Dash at their high school. It reassured me that Allie was safe and an angel in heaven. I now own “The Dash” It brings me comfort when I’m lonely and missing my beautiful granddaughter. I know I have to live my Dash so I can be with her once more when it’s my time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart:)
I first heard The Dash several years ago at my fathers retirement.I am a 54 year old retired Navy Senior Chief who is now working as a letter carrier for the Postal Service. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease five years ago. Instead of the fear and anger when I was diagnosed, I remembered my Dash. Although sometimes difficult to live with, Parkinson’s and it’s impact on quality of life can be quelled by a positive outlook and attitude. I have recently formed my own Parkinson’s Organization and am an advocate in the quest for a cure. I live the Dash to it’s fullest and share it with others. Thank you for instilling The Dash in my daily life.
Mark, imagine…more than a year after you posted this, I had the opportunity to meet you in person at your event to raise funds to fight Parkinson’s. You are spending your dash in such a positive way! Proud to know you, and now, proud to call you friend! ~Linda
Hi Linda
A friend of mine sent me the dash about six months ago. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I read it. The tears are from sadness as well as joy rembering my loved ones that have gone before me. My father inlaw has recently been given only 2 weeks to 6 months to live. I plan on reading the dash at his funeral. I hope when my day comes I have lived my life by the dash. Thank you for these beautiful words!
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thanks a lot for your great poems. I would like you to write a poem entitled “Finish Well” as a follow-up to your poem titled “Make What’s Left Right”. My reason for the request is that one can start a ‘dash’, try to make the dash straight but would finish the dash crooked. By Finishing Well, we would make our ‘dash’ right. I hope you get me right.
Thanks again for your effort to let the world shine.
I received an e-mail July 3, 1999, subject “HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH?”. I read the poem and thought why had I never thought of life like that? This poem as been aninspiration to me over the years and I have used it in programs and passed it on to many people. At the end of the poem in the e-mail it read,
“Author Unknown” Now I know. Thanks so much. And,yep, I stll have that e-mail!
The day before Christmas we had to go to the funeral home to make arrangements for my mom. On the wall was “The Dash”. My sister and I asked the gentleman if he knew where we can get a copy of that. He was going to check on it for us. A week later my employer (Kroger Co.) sent me a copy of your book”The Dash”making a Difference with Your Life. I told them that I am so glad they sent me the book instead of sending flowers like they always did before. I hope they continue the service so everyone else can enjoy it. I think I will buy a few and give them in place of flowers, for any friends of mine that have to experience death.
I first heard the dash poem on Radio 2 yesterday January 11th and it caught my attenton. Tomorrow I have to go to a funeral with a friend and of a friend I do not know very well and have been asked to do a reading, I think your poem will fit in very well, Thank YOU
I frist heard the dash poem on Radio 2 yesterday January 11th and it caught my attenton. Tomorrow I have to go to a funeral with a friend and of a friend I do not know very well and have been asked to do a reading, I think your poem will fit in very well, Thank YOU
I have been asked to read this poem at my father-in-law’s funeral tomorrow and have enjoyed reading the background to it. My father-in-law was 79 but a year ago my 41 year old brother died suddenly, his dash was much shorter but was filled to the brim. Such a profound poem which makes you think. Thankyou
I heard this for the first time at my dad’s funeral. It was so pretty and true! Thank you for such a great poem.
The book “Live your Dash” is helping me deal with the grief process of the sudden death of my husband of 53 years. Rspecially the the Remember Me and Is That You selections.
Thank you Linda
I first heard this beautiful poem at the funeral of a good friends father I was touched by it that I obtained a copy of it and read it at two funerals since and I have every intent of reading it at my fathers and having it read at my funeral. thank you Ms. Ellis
I heard this poem read by the Key note speaker at my graduation from a local community college. It touched me in a way I can not explain. I sat there in tears on one of the happiest days of my life. I have shared this poem with every one in my church as well as my entire family. I regularly attend a christian woman’s weekend and have shared the dash with all of them as well. So simple yet so inspirational. Thank you.
I read this poem often as a constant reminder of what is important in life. Each time I do listen to it ,it brings tears to my eyes. We only have a brief time here so remember to love,help,kindness matters, and to be there as often as possible, for the moments gone can never be recaptured! Thankyou for the DASH.
My nana died 9 years ago from cancer and the dash was the poem that was read out at her funeral. i was 9 when i had to stand and hold my auntys hand as we farewelled my best friend (nana). This poem has played such a massive role in my life since my nanas funeral, everytime ive felt down, or ive missed my nana or ive thought that i couldnt achieve something, i always find myself reading this poem over and over again. ive just turned 18, and without this poem i think i would have chosen a very different path in life. i live my life to the fullest with the friends and family that i love. The dash has also inspired my first tattoo, as a constant reminded that lifes too short to be anything less than special. Thank you so much Linda, you have changed my whole outlook on life, i will be forever greatful.
Yes, I love this poem, but my sister took offense to it. First time I had someone read something into it that wasn’t there…but then that explains her faith. Praying for her.
I read The Dash for the first time today. I am a poet and an author. I am writing my auto-biography . I am having a lot of trouble staying on task. My whole life has been a struggle.
My childhood was severely disfunctional, as has been my married life. I am now in my sixties, and still suffer from doubt and fear. Reading your poem has given me an emotional wake up call. I am committed to finishing my book, and in the process hopefully some long awaited closure to many crippling past. Thankyou for this inspiring poem. Margaret.
I lost my dad 10th julyhe was active went hill waking,cruises,loved higland games,bowling and loved ships,He worked long hours and still made time for every one.I heard this poem at a friends funeral and its realy helped me i bought a note book and called it dads dash.I write all the happy times we had,Now ive going to do one for myself,icared for my dad for10 years when he was ill,so i need to start and get my dash sorted
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) recently took my sister, Diane, way too soon. She struggled with the devastating disease for just over five years. Diane was an amazing person who never lost patience and never stopped being grateful for all the support she needed and received from her family and friends. Her fate was known in plenty of time for her to plan some of her memorial service. Diane requested that your very poignant poem, “The Dash,” be read. My daughter had that honor and everyone in the church was absolutely touched. We still talk about it and it plays over in my head nearly every day. You must be so proud to be able to truly speak to so many, and to realize that your message is so powerful. I want to share a brief glimpse of my sister living with ALS before it completely took her voice, and eventually her life. She had touched hundreds in several NC counties through her career as a Director of Exceptional Children’s Programs, working with the handicapped before becoming handicapped herself. She understood how important it is to educate, and did not hesitate to share a glimpse with others in the hopes that awareness might help lead to research and eventually a cure. Go to http://www.youtube.com and type in Diane Hardison ALS. I miss her so.
I lost my Dad in April 1, 2011. In a scurry to catch a flight, I quickly grabbed a copy of your poem, “The Dash” to present it to the pastor to read at the funeral. In all the confusion with the final preparations, I forgot to give it to him. It was to my surprise when the pastor began reading your poem. I believe my Dad truly lived what was between his dash and wanted others to hear your words. Thank you, Linda, from the bottom of my heart! God uses people, places and things for His glory!
I have only heard about this poem and know I need to read it. my husband of 43 years has stage four pancreatic cancer and is doing his best to live with it. We are living each day together as best we can and I know that everyday he is here is a good day for me.Could you please tell me where to read a copy of the poem. Thank you Evie Welch
My dad passed on July 7, 2011 at the age of 88. He was an amazing man, father of 7, grandfather of 12 and greatfather of 8. He touched so many lives as a teacher and counselor over the years. There were over 1000 people at his visitation alone. The man who officiated at his funeral read The Dash during the eulogy. Never in my 47 years had I heard something that exemplified my father’s life as much as this poem. He was humble, caring, happy and loved everyone. Thank you for sharing this poem with the world.
I am one of the worship leaders of our congregation, and one of the ministries I volunteered in was the funeral ministry. I came across of “The Dash” in one of the necrological services held in our church shared by our pastor, and it touched me a lot, it was some kind of an eye-opener to me. It reminded me of Matthew 16:16 where Jesus said, “What will profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?” Ever since then, I have been using it to share during wake services if ever there’s an opportunity for me to speak. Thanks for the inspiration!
the 1st time i heard this is was when we lost a young one in the family just 32 a wife 3 kids left behind as his sister cried and read this the tears feel but the mind ask and told u he filled the blanks,the next was when use it in saying good bye to my brother.thank u for the peace it gave me knowing he filled the blank in his 47 years on earth
My daughter in law who was 31 send me The Dash and told me how very much she loved it on a Friday at work. On Monday she was killed in a car reck by a drunk driver. Lift my son with a one year old and a three year old.
I heard your poem for the first time when it was read at the funeral of a dear friend. It was very moving, and really sums up all of us. Thank you.
I lost my Mum suddenly 2 weeks ago and heard about this poem today it really puts things about my Mums life into perspective. I am getting it hard to come to terms with her death as she was my best friend as well as my Mum.
hi eunice i lost my dad 10 wks ago the first few weeks i coped okay but i think its just hit me now im really struggling
ive started a memory box just with a few pictures of him and a couple of personal things .When im feeling down i look at the photos or listen to his favorit music,the hardest bit i feel is morning not making his breakfast we always had it together and since then i dont make any
I am 13 years old and the first time i heard the dash was at my uncles funeral. it made me cry so much because it is so true.
One of my really good friends committed suicide a few weeks ago and reading this poem it made me feel so sad that he isnt here with us any more and that he can no longer be in our dash although he will in our memories but every time i read this i cry because he meant so much to me and having lost him The Dash really helped??!!
thank you So much ??!!
The best poem ever!!!
After September 11, 2001, I was attending one of many funerals for the police officers that had lost their lives this day.
There were over 1,000 people in attendance at this funeral in Clifton, NJ and an officer got up to read “THE DASH”
Well, when there are so many people inside/outside a church, it is difficult to have silence…..with this poem
SILENCE……….
Everyone actually applauded after this was read.
I was fortunate, at the time to receive a copy of this poem and have since passed it on in my own family funerals…and, again, you can hear a pin drop. I cannot wait to read Linda Ellis’ book and thank her for her unforgettable poem…..THE DASH.
Arlene/Paramus, NJ
I am a spiritualist and first heard the poem when it was read out at a service, I waited at the end and spoke to the lady who read it. I asked who wrote it and she handed me her copy and told me that it had touched her when a friend had read it to her. Since then I have shared it with many people and all have liked it and many have cried. I remember sharing it with my Nan and she just sat there and looked at me. It left her speachless. My Nan died from cancer in september ’10 and I read the poem at her funeral. I was so proud to be able to stand there and share such an amazing poem with all those there. I can resight the poem now and have done many times to different people, wacthing peoples faces as their view on life is changed is amazing. You are my idol and I wish that one day I can become a poet that is somewhere on the same parr as you- although im sure I will never be that good. I intend on getting part of the poem as a tatoo soon as it has been such a great inspiration to me. Thank you so much for witting this. x
I attend my 24 yr old cousins furneal this weekend and THE DASH was read. I found it Very conforting and just wonderful. I went back to work and had to look up the poem just to read it again. I really have enjoyed this poem and thought that it needed to be shared with other family members. Thank you for this…it has really helped.
April 6th, 2007, we lost our oldest son Joey to a car wreck. It was Good Friday 2007. The Easter weekend took on a whole new meaning for us. We first encountered The Dash on Easter night as the youth of our parish, family and friends gathered in a candle light vigil for Joey. Kristi, our youth choir director and a very good friend, read the poem during that vigil to the hundreds gathered there.
The Dash had such an impact, we enlarged the dash on Joey’s headstone and borrowed from the poem, also included on the granite. Last year, we had 2 large Dash posters framed for our sons Joshua and Jacob. not sure how it owuld be received, as gave as Christmas gifts. The were gratefully received and were the most touching part of our Christmas in 2010.
Yesterday (12APR11) I attended the funeral for a 66 yr old father. His son is a very close friend and he gave the Eulogy for his father, beginning with The Dash – the poem his wife shared with us at Joey’s death.
Thank you Linda for this beautiful gift in words – one that keeps returning to my life – and one that challenges me to love and live fully. GOD BLESS!
I just lost my grandfather to cancer two weeks ago, my aunt read this poem at his funeral. He truly lived his dash, he was the best man I ever knew. Six years with cancer, and never once did he complain about anything. His kindness was unbelievable, never one did I hear him say one bad thing about anyone else. He loved his family so much, and he fought so hard for his life to be there with us. He loved life so much and appreciated everything he had. When he died I truly believe it was because he was ready, not because of the cancer. He was in so much pain before he died, and we knew we had to let him go. He didn’t deserve to be in pain like that. All he cared about was us, once he knew were okay, he died peacefully. He and my grandma were married over sixty years, he loved her with all his heart. He never wanted to leave her side till the day he died. It is so hard dealing with losing my grandpa but this poem is so inspiring, just knowing my grandpa lived his dash makes me feel better. This poem has helped me a lot. I love him so much, he is my hero.
My friend of thirty years, who was like a mother to me, was diagnosed with cancer October 2010 and died March 2nd, 2011. While helping with her care, I kept telling her about the poem. I happened across this beautiful poem years ago and never forgot the words. I was unable to get her a copy before she passed, but I will read it to her every day for the rest of my life. She truly lived her ”Dash”. She was an incredible woman to her son, her family and her friends. I will miss her terribly, but I will continue her legacy of living the “Dash”. Bless you my friend.
Linda, what a Wonderful poem The Dash is, I came upon it when I lost my father in May 2005 and I had this Poem read at his funeral. He is my Hero, he raised me alone when mom passed when I was 2yrs old, my only sister was married and on her own…she just passed November 24,2010.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts of poems
My dad passed away last year and I read this poem. It really encompassed his life, as he was an amazing man and truly lived his dash.
I was reminded again today how important it is to to focus on the dash and not the date. A friend and co-worker committed suicide this week and I was remembering that it is not the way you die that defines you it is the way you lived your life. This man, as my Dad did, truly lived his dash. He was by no means wealthy in monetary things, but so rich in the way he treated others! He was our custodian and knew EVERY single student in our school. We will never be the same, but will forever remember the way he lived his dash!
Thank you for such an inspitational message.
Hi Linda,
I stumbled across your site, while searching for an inspiring and heartfelt poem that represents my Grandma. She passed away a little over a week ago, she was nearly 91. She had been diagnosed with cancer for the third time 5 days before she passed. I found ‘The Dash’ and ‘A Mother’s Dash’ and felt they were a perfect way to share my Grandma’s love of life to her family and friends. She lived every second like it was her last and never took anything for granted. She often told me she felt incredibly lucky to have the things she had and never once complained about what she didn’t. She lived with an unwavering sense of optimism and saw the silver lining of every situation, even her death. She said she was finally going home (to her parents and 12 of her 13 siblings).
I was wanting to read one of these poems at her funeral, but don’t feel I can without your permission. My Nana lived her dash to the full and she has inspired me to do the same.
Thankyou for writing these inspiring and heartfelt poems, you are amazing
I lost a very good friend several months ago, due to an untimely death. A co-worked read me “The Dash”. I started to think how Mark lived his Dash. Found comfort knowing that he loved life and family. I would like to pass this on to my family to read at my funeral, when that time comes.
Thank you, Linda for this wonderful poem.