CancerCompass message board discussion started by Bubbs33 on 3/5/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,21666,0.htm Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I posted a message on Feb 7th entitled "The End is Near"....since then my dear father has passed on Feb 16th.  I just wanted to send a short thank you to all you have supported my family and I through this short journey.  The information on this site is so invaluable, but more improtantly you are a supportive community.  In my dad's case his MM was diagnosed too late for any real effect from treatment.  I encourage you all to have hope.  But more importantly live each day like it is your last.  Cherish every moment with those who are near and dear to you.  Love them like there is no tomorrow, then the number of days is irrelevant.Recently I read an incredible poem by Linda Ellis called The Dash . It's all about how we spend our lives from the day we are born to the day we pass away. It's one of the most inspirational poems I've ever read, and I would like to share it with you.The Dash (-)I read of a man who stood to speakat the funeral of a friend.He referred to the dates on her tombstonefrom the beginning...to the end.-He noted that first came the date of her birthand spoke of the following date with tears,but he said what mattered most of allwas the dash between those years.-For that dash represents all the timethat she spent alive on earth...and now only those who loved herknow 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 loveand 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 midrange.")-If we could just slow down enoughto consider what's true and real,and always try to understandthe way other people feel.-And be less quick to anger,and show appreciation moreand love the people in our liveslike we've never loved before.-If we treat each other with respect,and more often wear a smile...remembering that this special dashmight only last a little while.-So, when your eulogy's being readwith your life's actions to rehash...would you be proud of the things theysay about how you spend your dash?-Author Linda EllisFor those who may have loved ones near the end and want to chat, feel free to send me a private message.God bless............warmest regards,  Bubbs33 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT So very sorry to learn of your loss,Nothing anyone can say can take your pain away. Most everything you see,hear,smell or touch will remind you of the times you shared with him.But you have the all the things stored away that made your dad who he was, especially to you ! Yes your dad has passed but he lives in you and maybe in your children.Maybe time can numb the fact he is gone but someday you will laugh when you do something he taught you. Thank you for taking the time to share such a true poem . I will remember the "dash" it is so true and so short even if we live to 100. God bless you.                                                                                                                                               Ron  zazu1234 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT  I too share your sorrow at the passing of your Dad. It is coming quicker and quicker the passing of so many at this time and a lot of them so young. That poem is wonderful and yes we need to stop and think of how we "spend" each day. My prayers for all on this site not only MM patients. Someone on the Brain cancer section just lost her Dad, his dog died on the same day and a week? later or month later her mother.  We need to pray and care each day for everyone, God bless you all as we are all could be near the last of our dash..MMS On 3/5/2008 zazu1234 wrote:So very sorry to learn of your loss,Nothing anyone can say can take your pain away. Most everything you see,hear,smell or touch will remind you of the times you shared with him.But you have the all the things stored away that made your dad who he was, especially to you ! Yes your dad has passed but he lives in you and maybe in your children.Maybe time can numb the fact he is gone but someday you will laugh when you do something he taught you. Thank you for taking the time to share such a true poem . I will remember the "dash" it is so true and so short even if we live to 100. God bless you.                                                                                                                                               Ron    mmsurvivor Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT