What am I going to do with my -

One of my really good friends passed away yesterday from complications after his airplane crashed. Jared Despain was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He would drop everything to help a friend in need. I met him when I was living in the Nisson Towers at Dixie State College. He was one of the first people to befriend me. We would sit up and watch movies all night, or just sit and talk. He was one of the greatest people. He had the greatest sense of humor. He will most definitely be missed!

It made me think of a year ago when I read a poem entitled, "What will you do with your dash?"


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.
(1934-1998)

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
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy’s being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?


There were so many people who loved Jared because of how willing he was to serve. I hope that one day I can be like him in that way. My life is most definitely better having known him.