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 the tombstone
from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of 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 they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
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?

            Blair Warren Beckham was born on August 1, 1954, in Memorial Hospital, Lufkin. His home was in Lufkin till he went to Culver Military Academy after he lived in Fort Worth where he attended TCU. He was a member of the Phi Kappa fraternity. Most of his life he was in some aspect of sales which made him an excellent listener. The one thing that Blair will always be remembered for was his “quick wit”. Blair was a person who could find humor in anything and could turn a phrase for a laugh at any time. He would often reminisce about how in grade school Mrs. Tompkins room was his first comedy “gig” he said he would get paid in chocolate milk.

           Blair was also known for his joke telling, trivia prowess, great vocabulary, and would discuss a conspiracy theory at the drop of a hat. Blair was loyal to a fault and ready to help with what he needed. A very special person that enriched the life of everyone that he knew.

           The “Dash” of his life came to a end on September 28, 2021, because of health issues. I know he is having a wonderful time reuniting with family and friends that have gone before.

           He is survived by his sister, Carol Beckham.

           Blair was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marge Beckham; brother, Phillip Chambers Beckham; grandparents, Colonel and Mrs. CC Chambers and Everett Alva and Mae Beckham.  

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.