Robert Gentile's passed on 1/15/09. (or Robear, as many of you know him....a name I gave to him in 1984 at a Brown's football game.) I guess just like when your car breaks down and can no longer run, it is the same with our bodies.....we just get out and go home.
Below is a poem that talks about what is important is the dash between the years.
1959-2009. Robear lived a very full life in his dash between the years. He was one of the most giving and generous people that I have ever known. His joy was found in his giving.
Even last week, when visiting him at the hospice center, he still continued to ask everyone how they were doing. His selflessness remained even though he was in the dying process.
I was told he saw Mark's dad (who passed about 15 years ago) sitting in his room and I was told that he died with a smile on his face. Mark is very honored to give his eulogy and to be one of his pall barriers.
Please read the poem below:)
have a great day.
love,
Michele
The Dash Between the Years
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 birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years.
(1935 - 2001)
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 May last only 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?
by Linda Ellis
