Sharing Sisterhood Across the Globe

Sister to Sister is a place to renew for women of all cultures, faiths and races. Coretta Scott King said, "Women, if the soul of the Nation is to be saved, I believe we must become its soul." I would like to add "Earth" instead of "Nation." We need to widen the borders and challenge the world to become a better place. Join the conversation.

Saturday, May 08, 2010

In the Dash of Each Other's Life

Momma and Me
     Recently I found some pictures of my Mother with me. It made me remember that I belonged--to her. I remember that someone held me close, loved me dearly and wanted the best for me. What I owe this wonderful woman who gave me life is beyond price, but not understanding. She lived a life I choose to emulate and then I remembered this poem of Linda Ellis, The Dash. And I realized that what I emulate was part of the dash of my mother's life and I understand from this poem I owe my mother my life and to make sure that her teachings are not in vain. Happy Mother's Day, Momma. I honor your dash. Here's the poem:

The Dash by Linda Ellis
There was 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 her date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash stands for 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 just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

We'd 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 lifes actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Cos that dash stands for all the time
That you spent alive on earth
And only those who loved you
Know what that little line is worth

It matters not how much you own
The cars the house the cash
What matters is how you live and love
And how you spend your dash

What matters is how you live and love
And how you spend your dash. 

For those of us whose Mother's have journeyed on ...
Honor Her Dash!