Amanda

Amanda, Ansley, and Levin

December 2008

Jim, Judy, Amanda, Levin- Laie, Hawaii June 2007

Amanda Jean Wagner Gunter

July 1984 - September 2009

The past few days have been very sad for our family as we have lost our wonderful niece and cousin, Amanda. Amanda, who was expecting another baby, along with her husband and daughter were in a terrible car crash in South Carolina on Friday, Sept. 18th.

As I have pondered on what to write about Amanda, the poem "The Dash" by Linda Ellis, came to my mind. Although Amanda's life on this earth was short, she lived every moment to the fullest. She was loved and admired by many. She touched each heart that she knew. She was a perfect example of kindness and love. She truly lived her life with honor. She can be proud of how she lived.

Our hearts ache for Amanda's husband, Levin, and their daughter, Ansley. We pray that we can follow Amanda's great example. We are grateful for our knowledge of eternal life and that we will be with Amanda again. Until then, God be with you Amanda, until we meet again.

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 her tombstone

from the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of 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 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.

(You could be at "dash midrange.")

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 spend your dash?