Remember the dash

I went to a wonderful homegoing celebration for Mrs. Esther Griffin. She was the wife of almost 50 years of William Griffin and the mother of my dear friends Ava, Tara and Eric. There was no friend of her children who didn't become her child. There were many people at her services, showing their respect to the family. While some were her friends and peers, there were almost as many who were the friends of her children. I'm thinking that they all felt like I did. That they were saying farewell to someone who was like a mother to them. Words can't express how much she will be missed.

Mrs. Griffin was involved in many organizations, all with the purpose of helping the community in some way. Whether she was making care baskets for college students or organizing patrols for her neighborhood or just offering a delicious meal to company, Mrs. Griffin cared for others and showed her love of humanity by her actions. She was a role model to all.

So, what is the dash, you may wonder. And why should we remember it. The dash refers to the dash between the year that you're born and the year that you die. We see it often in obituaries and memorials. We should remember it because it's what defines your life and the legacy that you leave behind. Not the year that you were born nor the year that you depart. It's the years in between - and what you do with them - that count. It's the dash that matters.

Remember to help others in need. Pray for others and put your prayers into action. Volunteer. Or call someone when you think of them.

Whatever you do, make the dash the best dash possible. Then you'll be remembered as fondly as Mrs. Griffin was the other day.