The theme for March’s NaBloPoMo is One Word. When I first read it in the monthly email, I didn’t think much of it. I have not bothered with the monthly themes so far in my foray into daily posting. Today, it was not a matter of my not having anything to blog about that I chose to bring this theme up. Instead, today I had the chance to muse on a single word.
As part of my job, I have to oversee adolescents in various group settings and today was one of the support group ones that has things go along a little differently. Part of the activity was that they built a tower out of popsicle sticks. On each one there was a word or phrase. Everyone took turns pulling out a popsicle stick without letting the tower topple. I didn’t think I had to participate but one of the kids said it was my turn. Gamely, I took one out at random.
My word was FREEDOM.
Everyone, after they took a stick had to speak on how they felt it applied to them and what sort of message fate was giving us. I liked my word and felt it was a sign I have been going on the right path. I took my word to mean that Freedom meant that I am slowly but surely on my road to personal independence.
Anyway, there was also a poem that was shared that I quite enjoyed. So now I’m sharing it with y’all.
The Dash by Linda Ellis
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 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 matter 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 your spent your dash?
Emerging of the Bombshell Within 
A sprinkling of commentary