I worked in a funeral home for many years and thought that’s exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Being there for a family in the midst of one of their biggest struggles, was honestly the biggest reward I’ve ever received. I was young but also understood the importance of getting the small details correct and being attentive through the entire process. I lived for it. Was my first passion after graduating high school.
Then one day I was attending a funeral and listening to a man talk about how his brother lived the dash to its fullest. At first, I thought the man just messed up in his speech but he went on to explain. He said, “The dash that is placed in between the date of your birth and the date of your death is where you’ll be remembered”. He said that people are excited that you’re entering the world but they don’t know who you actually are until you’re here. The death of a person is something that can be forgot or not fully understood on how it happens. The dash is where you are remembered for the hard work, the love, and the kind of person you truly are.
An unpopular opinion is that when you’re coming into this world, people are so excited and they shower your parents with gifts for you. They all want to see you or get you something. Everyone thinks you’re the cutest thing to walk this Earth and they want to hold you. Eventually, it all wears off and you grow up to hear things like, “I haven’t seen you since you were a baby” or “You’ve grown up fast”. That’s because the day you were born, the world stopped for a few people but the rest of the world…. continue to move like it normally does. The other unpopular opinion is that after a funeral, life goes on. The world still turns and stops for no one. You get a few hours in a church or gymnasium and then at a cemetery or your ashes are taken somewhere with loved ones. In those few hours people talk about who you were as a person, how you will be missed, and a few funny things about you because funerals aren’t suppose to be completely sad.
Now, please don’t take this as me saying that these events don’t matter. They absolutely hold significance and your life should be celebrated on those days! My point is, it is what you do between those two dates that matter! How will you live your “dash”? You can put one foot in front of the other every single day and do your best to live a fulfilling life or you can let life keep you down. Whatever you do, remember, the dash goes by quicker than any of us want it to. The choice is completely yours. What will you do with it?
If no one has told you today that you are loved, enough, and that your dash matters….I’m here to tell you that now!
Reach out to a friend this week and check on them. Never know who needs it!
Until next time my friend!