Just Jules and Your Average Joe

Last night was Nick’s memorial and opportunity to make peace with the passing of our friend.  It was amazing to see all the groups of friends he had made throughout his time living in the US - from all the places he worked and lived.  It seemed no matter where he went, Nick was a magnet to some pretty genuine and kind people.  Which is why it was so interesting that even though some of us had never met, because of our individual close bonds with Nick, we automatically felt like long-time friends.  So even though we lost a very special friend, I think many of us left feeling as though we made some special new ones.

One of the highlights of the service was the following poem read by a close family friend.  I had never heard it before but was so moved by it that I thought I would share it.  It’s a beautiful reminder of what’s most important in life.

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 her 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?

After the service, we joined in the church hall for wine and food, including a dessert table that Nick would had LOVED!  We also played the following video - at tribute to how Nick spent his “dash.”  Thanks again to Alan of Artistic Imagery for creating this special video for us.