where were you 9/11....and where are you NOW??

I have always said that we have time to do what needs doing to make the world a better place--we just don't know how much! and when one stops and thinks about that, it becomes complicated. The people who died in the tragedy of 9/11 began their day as they always did: they got up, brushed their teeth, remembered they needed to pay a bill or say hi to their kids; aw, heck, "I'll do that later..." except for them, later never arrived. I often think about that, but I go one step further and think about the ones who actually survived it. What are their priorities now, ten years later? Do they not take a day for granted? Do they stop and think before saying something that could hurt someone? Do they take a moment to kiss their spouse, hug their child and just be in the moment of a sunrise? I'll bet they don't waste a moment or ignore a friend's request to go fishing or enjoy a walk around the park! And for those folks, I am grateful because it should have taught all of us just how precious life is! and for those who "should have" been in their offices by 9 a.m. and were delayed for some reason, and survived because of those delays, I hope that they, too, realize just how precious each moment is!

I have read about the dash...if you look at cometary markers, between the date of birth and the date of death, we have a dash. It is what you do with your dash that makes all the difference. Did you...stop to help a neighbor, or tell them you are too busy. Did you...tell a child he/she is special, or blow them off? Did you...hug your spouse, or figure you'll get around to it later? See? the dash...

I read 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 the date of his birth and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said that 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 might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is read,

with your life actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say –

about how you spent your dash.---

Linda Ellis