HIT: Poem, story on living life to the fullest, Part 1

[Julie Purdy <purdyj@LINK75.ORG>]

Oh, my gosh!  You guys are good!  I began receiving replies literally
within minutes after I sent my question!

I was looking for a poem or story or quote on what people mean to each
other and/or living life to the fullest.  A teacher in our school system
was tragically killed in a car accident last week, and we have a student
speaking at her memorial service.  He was looking for a poem or something
that he could share.  Some of you who responded asked for me to share my
responses.  Here is a compilation of things I found and others' ideas:

Don't know if it's too religious, but what about the song Friends,
whose chorus goes - And friends are friends forever if the Lord's the
Lord of them, and a friend will not say nver, cause the welcome will
not end.  Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hand we
know, that a lifetimes not too long to live as friends.
_____________________________________________________

One person mentioned the James Taylor song, The Secret o' Life.  I then
managed to find the lyrics on the internet at the following site (a great
song lyric site!):
http://planetx.bloomu.edu/~gmalbert/songlyrics/
_________________________________________

  This is from Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Success

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the
affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and
endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the
best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy
child, a  garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one
life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have
succeeded."
_______________________________________________________

The Dash ~

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 of the following date with tears,
but he said that 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.
You could be at "mid-dash range."

Are there people that you've left behind?
Things you've left unsaid?
Words you need to think again?
Fences you need to mend?

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.

Can we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
will only last awhile.

So, when your eulogy's being read
and your life is being rehashed,
Would you be proud of what they have to say
about how you spent your dash?
_____________________________________

We Remember Her


At the rising of the sun and its going down
. . .  we remember her

At the blowing of the wind and the chill of winter
. . .  we remember her

At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring
. . .  we remember her

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer
. . .  we remember her

At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn
. . .  we remember her

At the beginning of the year and when it ends
. . .  we remember her

When we are weary and in need of strength
. . .  we remember her

When we are lost and sick at heart
. . .  we remember her

When we have joy we crave to share
. . .  we remember her

When we have decisions that are difficult to make
. . .  we remember her

When we have achievements that are based on hers
. . .  we remember her

As long as we live, she too will live; for she is now a part of us

. . . as we remember her.

                                                                                
Anonymous

There's more to come!  Thanks so much to all!

Julie Purdy
Mt. Ararat Middle School
Brunswick, Maine
purdyj@link75.org

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