This poem has been enjoyed by millions around the world.  
The words have changed many lives.
They could change yours, too…


The Dash
by Linda Ellis copyright 1996

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?

I met Isha for the very first time in October 1993.  My pea brain is showing her up as just there with Joanna (or was it Amecia?) looking at who was coming and trying to figure out who would be in their class and of course how the next two years will go.  I am seeing myself doing the same thing.

As we separated, Secretarial A and B, Timitra and I became very close and we took our time to study the others.  (Please excuse us as we were always trying to solve puzzles and I must admit that we still do.)  We concurred that Isha was a very nice girl and that we liked her.  We were not wrong because as we got to know her she proved herself and we liked her even more; she never passed us straight because she knew we liked her.  Anytime we had the opportunity of being together Isha was always fun-loving; she laughed at lot, she was like 'the life of the party' and oh how she had fun when we participated in the Christmas Carolling Contest in 1994.

Sometime last year (2015) we decided that we needed to get back together after much talks and Amecia had a vision that both groups needed to rekindle (lol).  We planned and planned but it seemed like we were planning too big too soon so we ended up having to plan for just a church service and brunch.  The planning alone worked wonders! This was a success and we talked of Isha and how much she wished she was there.  While at the brunch we decided that we will go to Bequia in 2016 for a weekend with the hope that Isha would be there and of course more batch mates would be available.   

 From the church service and brunch the whatsapp chat group got more interactive and we were on the ball planning all sorts of events, talking about life and its challenges, encouraging each other, being strong for each other.  One happy morning I recall receiving a message from Joanna saying that Isha had fallen ill and needed prayers.  Prayers were sent up for her and God answered by letting her stay with us longer because He had a plan.  We later found out that his plan was for Isha to be the strong hold for the group.  If you wake at 3am and leave a message you get a response from Isha, if not immediately, she was still the first to respond and I loved that about her.  At anytime we didn’t hear from her and an enquiry was made you would hear that she just couldnt because she was not feeling well enough to respond.  There were days however when she could only say that it was a rough week but God is good she will be back soon.

On March 4, 2016 7:58 am, the following message was received from her:

“ Good morning all.  Your prayers are gracious and wonderful.  I have not taken meds yet so I have some energy.  Today I would be doing an abdominal biopsy.  Continue to lift me us in Jesus name.  Causes are unknown of my issue hence all the test and the long hospital stay.  Each day is different.  Some great others really awful.

Overall I stay positive in every way and keep my faith and trust in God for he is the Master of everything.  Thank you all for your love and support.  And I know one day we shall all sit and share our memories once again.  Blessed day to all.”

“…one day we shall all sit and share our memories once again” were Isha’s parting words and we did not recognize it.

On March 14, 2016, ten days later about 7:10 pm, the message was received:  “Folks I have some sad news …Isha just passed away.”

Isha is gone, she cannot hear us but she left a lesson for us – her life ... her spirit was catching.  If we were to be called like Isha was, would those who remain say the same of us?  We are on the mark…get set…

May Isha’s soul rest in peace.

To begin a story that you wish never had an ending.

We grew up as friends each in our own little world but bonded for life in October 1993 when 3 Bequia youths signed up for Secretarial course at Technical College..Joanna, Sten and myself

We were peas in a pod... Even though night time depersted us...we were a bunch. We met other students with whom we clicked with suddenly. Our class was the loudest,most jovial,(did we give trouble).. How about asking Mr.Morgan or Desmond Bam James. Lol. We went everywhere together..I think break time was looked forward too so we cud get Mrs Dickson bread n cheese  a fruit cocktail n a pack cheezeeez. We had good and not so good days but we stuck it out till graduation day.

We created a bond..Sect A n B to this day shared s part of your life. We all went separate ways but you kept in contact.. Phone calls, chat n Skype. Your visits home to Bequia were ones to look forward too..so much to share. 

When in 2014 I said I'm having a baby..first words to Mr "dat ah my pickney". And she is. Not a day went by we didn't talk of her..you got to see her daily and even got to hear her say " Aunty borinnn,". You were the best long distance God mother. She looks at my phone ..mommy Isha Isha.

I loved you like a sister.. You talked me out of so many things that you knew I would regret doing but always said ,Missy you got to do you..think of yourself for once the others cud wait. You were my ears my shoulder up to the very Monday you passed.

The first call I got when your health troubles started.. I almost passed out. I remember mommy telling me..Missy relax your pressure... Isha would be OK. And you pulled thru to tell the story. One of which we know that God was by your side . I made it my business to message you how many times a day..even if was to make you smile.

Our SVGTec group rekindled thru a WhatsApp chat group..and you were the 5am wakerupper.. You were the one to make sure Kamala sang even if she wasn't up to it. You were our warrior.. We laughed we cried we sang we prayed.. You brought us back together for a special reason a second time around... We will always love you for doing this.

You were always the one encouraging and letting others know that every day will not be the same but trust God . no one would of imagined that you were do sick and still able to share that sparkle that you had with others.

I messaged you on March 13 got no reply.. I figured you were resting. Then I say the DND status so I said OK she's resting. On Monday 14 bright n early u messaged saying you sorry u didn't answer n you know I must b  worrying and updated me on situation. Youre words "God got this" resonated. I told you I loved you and wished it was nothing out the ordinary n would check on you later. 4.30 PM I did. No answer so i took it to mean you're resting but somehow that one tick had me. Later my phone was blowing up my daughter said mommy Aunty Persha said if you got news.. Then mommy messaged if u r driving plz stop. Ariel calling bawling.. I can't get Joanna. I completely lost it. Finally got Jo.    I screamed i screamed... Was the worst night of my life.Y Y Y.... Y Isha. But God got this.

My world crumbled . it would never be the same. I thank you everyday for being a sister to me. I loved you even more n you knew it. I woke on my birthday waiting on your call... Then reality hit. You're gone forever.

You lived a good life..if only you could of seen your tributes but I'm positive you know for sure it would be like this.

Rest in peace my sister my friend. I would always love you