The Dash Between
by Roger A. Shake, CFP®, RLP®, CeFT®
I sat in the chapel watching light dance off the stained glass while listening to the murmured conversations of friends and colleagues. We were waiting for the Celebration of Life service to begin. I had known her as a client and friend for the past 21 years. Her death was not a surprise, nor unexpected and as usual she had everything perfectly planned. From the hymns, songs, scriptures and stories you could see her larger than life personality shine through.
Early in the service, the pastor read a letter she had written to all of us…
“I have been truly blessed and fortunate to have had such a great life. There are virtually no regrets.
Life has been filled with great parents, strong family, loyal friends, fun-filled gatherings, beautiful music of all kinds, travels at home and abroad, wonderful employers, loyal and hard-working staffs, amazing and loyal friends, fulfilling volunteer work, hobbies, happy retirement. Who could ask for more than that!
I have witnessed the beauty of Hawaii, the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, the outer banks of the U.S., Times Square, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, La Familia in Barcelona, the Smoky Mountains, the big trees and lake at my cousin’s house. From the simple to the grand, travels have been a big part of my life’s memories.
To all of you who have played a significant role in my happiness, I thank you and appreciate you, for you have filled my heart, mind and laugh box with stories upon stories. You have made life for me. I will miss you.*”
As my friend’s words washed over me and tears filled my eyes, I couldn’t help but think of Linda Ellis’ poem…
The Dash Between
by Linda Ellis Copyright 2024
Between the date when we arrive
and the date we go away,
there exists a horizontal line
that captures every single day.
And because these days we're living
seem to vanish in a flash,
we need to make the most of
that special little dash.
We are blessed with opportunities
as we tread the grounds of earth
to build the loving legacy
our own dash will be worth.
To focus on what matters,
not on things we’ve owned or bought.
And smile every chance we get,
and love with all we've got.
For the duties of our daily life --
the job, the house, the cash
affect the way we get to live
our only little dash.
So, appreciate the here and now
as each moment will unfold
because we're never told beforehand
how much time our dash will hold.
Don’t spend this time with worries,
bitterness and fear.
The future may be uncertain,
but right now, your dash is here.
If you need to make some changes,
let this be the day you start --
to make a difference with your life,
show the love that’s in your heart.
For how you spend this life
will someday be defined
by everything that is remembered
in the dash you leave behind.
I’m curious, what’s important, beautiful, meaningful, sacred or lovely for you as you live out your dash? I’d love to hear from you Rshake@LegacyConsultingGroup.com
*Letter used with permission from her family
Disclosures
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Information presented is believed to be current. It should not be viewed as personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors on the date of publication and may change in response to market conditions. You should consult with a professional advisor before implementing any strategies discussed.
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