Remebrance

I was taught by one of my uncles that we "live our lives on the dash" referring to that Oh-so-small-single-stroke character on our gravestone that shall sit between the dates that mark birth and death. It is just a separator of the two most significant events in a lifetime, but that is all we have in which to be thrilled, grieved, awed, and inspired. These are the only moments to love, hope, and express our faith. It is so very brief - a short instant in human history that passes swiftly by and is gone like a vapor.

As I reflect upon the recent passing of my Uncle Bill after Christmas last year, I am reminded of his kindness, enthusiasm and the enjoyment he had for his friends and family whom he dearly loved. He was diligent to keep all of us in his life and made sure to reach out to everyone to let them know that he cared. He was ever youthful (as evidenced by the photo) with praise for all, a light-hearted outlook, and a desire to comprehend our world. I shall always remember the stories, advice and times together as I reflect on a man of character, who was a success worthy of fond remembrance as he accomplished so much in the days he was granted.

What lesson do I gain from such an example? To live fully, touching the hearts of those precious souls whose paths meet with mine. To focus more on the present, the people beside me and simply the current moment. If we cannot be certain upon what lies beyond death, can we unite together and express our affections during the fleeting time in which we stand on this side of time? I hope so and believe that he did too. Thanks, Uncle Bill. In your memory, I offer a few words to ponder....

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Waiting

Some say the doors loom large and dark
Some say the entrance is not easy
Some say the far side is so much better
Some say there is no door at all

Yet here we wait
All of our days
In queue
And wonder

What lies beyond that gate prepared for us?
From which we cannot escape
Nor comprehend from this locked side
At which we are waiting still

Every day
Thousands pass through
Most are forced
But a few select themselves to cross the threshold

What shall we achieve
Whilst we wait?
Is the line itself our purpose?
Rather than the destination beyond?

The young know not
The old are too aware
Hence both enjoy their greatest hours
For this moment is all they feel

But not me
I am far away
And the wait will be long
I have time to think

But still I am limp
Doing nothing but watching time
And seeing nothing
And saying nothing

I am punished for my indecision
Must I see the path before me?
Can I know what fate shall come?
Will I trust the shouting voices?

What toll must be paid?
And to whom shall I render?
Is my liability insurmountable?
Or is the debt not mine at all?

These questions posed
Do not yield to our answers
And thus extends our wait
Before the doors

Shall we draw together then
To nurture justice and love deeply
United by our common fate
To share this finite moment

For when time ends
And loved ones part
All that remains for us to know
Is the wait itself

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Typically, waiting in line is something endured before the ‘show’. Many people feel that we are in store for great times in the afterlife, so the comparison intrigued me. So, why should we treat our years in line as a burden when this perspective might encourage us to share these limited days with the folks “who just happen to be standing next to us” with love and understanding?