Chads Parents

To my Son

A mother's love will never die and on this special day I shall not cry. Instead, I have precious memories to get me through, until the day I come to visit you.

I found a poem this day that I would like to share with you all.

      I read of a man who stood to speak
      at the funeral of his 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 second 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 "dash mid-range.")

      If we could just slow down enough to consider
      what's true and what's 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 pleased with the things they have to say
      about how you spent your dash?

      Now let me say that the dash was a very short time for   Chad but the impact that he had on those around him will live on
      for years to come. We miss you Chad.