Gone, but not forgotten

Icie Lavera Hightower (Beady), My grandmother, passed away, and went to be with her Lord Jesus, July 29th, 2010 @ 8:02pm.

When my grandma first got sick, my dad was telling me about a poem he had read, or heard, a few years ago. Something about the dash. I had no idea what he was talking about. I found the poem today. Here it is ... it really makes you think ...

I read of 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 the 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 represents 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.

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 being read

With your life’s actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

- Linda Ellis

That fits my grandma so well. She was an amazing woman. She lived her life as every woman should. She supported her husband in everything he did. She raised her children with morals and values. She loved her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She did so many things for other people.

I remember when she first got sick, one of the main things she was worried about, was who would cook the food for the young people's night at her church. She truly was a servant of God, and all of us should strive to live our lives like she lived hers.

I love you Grandma, and I miss you already. I know you've only been gone a short time from this life, and your life in Heaven has just begun. Grandma, sing with Grandpa, and walk with Jesus, and know that we love you for always!