Bob Dole and Fam - A Blessing to the End

 

 

In my opinion, most of the funerals for political leaders end up being a pathetic series of speeches by living, narcissistic, delusional politicians re-writing history.  They always say how much they loved the deceased and were best of buds behind the political scenes, while in real life they were too busy assassinating their character and stabbing them in the back.

And there was some of that at Dole’s funeral, but the last two speakers not only saved the day, but sent a message that I think everyone in America should hear.  Dole’s daughter, Robin, gave a wonderful tribute to her father that I can only hope that someone could eventually say about me.  Her love for her father was so genuine, I could literally feel her sadness and sense of loss.  She talked about his desire to help others, his lover for animals, especially his two dogs (Blazer and Leader) and finally his faith in God.  It was this faith that allowed him not to fear for he knew, “God will be walking with (him).”  She finished by saying how much she would miss him and that she would talk to him every night.  The final notes of this sweet daughter’s song were, “I love you, Dad.  You will never walk alone.” 

At this point I could feel my heart swelling and tears forming in my eyes.  She had done a tremendous job honoring her father and the absolute silence was actually awkward.  Someone in that Cathedral should have had the guts to begin the applause that would have inspired the standing ovation her speech deserved.  She was great and I hope you all take the time to listen to it.

And then Mr. Dole’s chief of staff, Sheila Burke, read “The Dash Poem” written by Linda Ellis, which Bob had recited often throughout his career.  This poem talks about trying to understand how other people feel.  Ms. Ellis suggests that we should all be slow to anger, appreciate each other more and treat each other with respect.  This is a message that we should all hear and embrace today in this country.  Here is that poem in its entirety.  

 

The Dash Poem (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 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?

 

May God bless you all and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.