I know of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on his tombstone

From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came his date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between the years. 

For that dash represents all the time

That he spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved him

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.

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 last only a little while.

So when your eulogy�s being read

With your life�s actions to rehash�

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

Those classmates who are no longer with us will be greatly missed.  We are thankful that we had the opportunity to know them and share part of life's great adventures with them.  Even though they are no longer with us physically, they will always remain an integral part of our group and remain in our thoughts and prayers.

REQUIESCAT IN PACEM