It was my father's funeral today in Australia. I was not able to go so I simply remembered him in the quieter moments I had. In the last few days his six children had contributed to his eulogy. It was a team effort led by my sister. The words we have chosen, are, like him, humble and modest but they are the sort of words I hope will be said at my own ending. They have been formed around an inspiring poem by Linda Ellis called 'The Dash' which captures in a simple but meaningful way, the idea that all that matters at the end of our life is the dash that appears between the dates of our birth and death. Because that dash represents the opportunity we had to live our life. It holds the detail of how we lived our life, how we chose to spend our time and what we did with the opportunity we had. My father chose to use his dash to create and serve his family and provide his children with an example of how to live a life of value to others not just to himself. I wonder what my children will say about my own dash when the time comes.
Dad now your eulogy’s been read and your life actions rehashed.
We’re so proud of all you’ve achieved and done and how you used your dash
Norman Jackson 08 December 1924 - 22nd August 2014
Dad now your eulogy’s been read and your life actions rehashed.
We’re so proud of all you’ve achieved and done and how you used your dash
Norman Jackson 08 December 1924 - 22nd August 2014
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