The Dash Poem by Linda Ellis

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Has anyone read this poem? I recently had a friend pass away and at her funeral the preacher read this poem as it was one of my friends favorites. It is such a beautiful poem it talks about life and death and to think of all the things you did and all the good things your loved ones did. It brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of how she lived her life to the fullest without any regrets or tears. I wish I could have been like her and that I could have known her for a longer time but I know it was her time to go. I know it's a long post but here is a copy of the poem, let me know what you all think of it and enjoy your dash. 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 And spoke of the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For the dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth. And 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 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 slow down just 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 May 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?