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Yolanda Lopez, February 21, 1955 - October 4, 2006, Mom, It has been a year now that you have been away from us. A day does not go by that I don't think about and miss you. I want to read you a poem that I read after your passing. It has helped me get through this year. It does not bring meaning to what happened but it helps to clarify what life means and how precious it is. It reads "I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone. From the beginning . . . to the end. He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following dates with tears. But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years for the 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 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 last only 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? . . . By: Linda Ellis" Your dash, yet so short, has been filled with many great things and memorable moments. You have been a wonderful mother, friend and mentor. You accomplished more than what anyone gave you credit for. We could not have asked for anything more. You have gone through more heartache and pain in your life than anyone should have to endure and yet you overcame. I could only hope to be half the person you have been. You were there for us to guide us and care for us all while sacrificing yourself to give to your children, family, and friends. There are so many things that I want to say and so many things that I wish I had done differently. I hope you are proud of us. It has been hard to be here without you and to not share everything with you. Just recently, with the birth of my son, I did not know what to do. I felt so lost and terrified without your support but I tried to remind myself what you have always told us. Death is a celebration in that we have gone on to a better place and those left behind should be happy. I know you are here with us to still protect us and watch over us but it is still not the same. We miss your laugh, your smile, your warm touch. I hate the fact that my son will never know his grandmother other than by what we tell him. Words cannot explain who you were and what you did. We miss you mom and we will always love you. Please don't worry about us. We will be okay. You have taught us well. Love always and forever, Your loving daughter and son, grandchildren, family and friends.
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