How will you spend your "-"?  You know, the little line on most tombstones that separates a birth-date from the date of death.

            Many poems have been written about this world-wide question and one should pause every once-in-a-while to reflect on themselves and how they live their life

            How will you spend your time between those dates?  How will you be remembered?

            Some people never give it a thought until it's too late and most of their time is gone.  Certainly in our youth, the inscription to the right of the "-" doesn't enter our minds when we're young and if it does sneak in, it seems so far away.  As we grow older the date grows nearer.

            Sometimes we become so involved with our lives that we forget to stop and take a look at what we've done, what we're doing, and what our plans for the future are.

            Interestingly, some people don't care what others think about them or how they will remember them.  "I'll do what I want and don't care what you and anybody else thinks about it" they'll say.  Is that an excuse for their actions or do they really not care?

            Were you a good spouse, parent or child?  That's usually the first thoughts of how your family will remember you.

            Perhaps you were a good student in school and went on to scholarly achievements.  Those achievements could have bettered your life and the life of your family.  Maybe event benefitted the lives of others.

            An outstanding athlete can be role model for many.  Were you a positive role model or revered for unscrupulous or bad behavior?

            Some people go on to earn the trust of others by being elected to public office.  Did you serve them or yourself?  Did you fulfill your responsibilities or did you let the people down?  Because of that trust and your service, is the future brighter for those you promised to serve?

            Do you govern with integrity, honesty, and fairness no matter what crises (perceived or real) existed?  Did you do what was right or what was convenient and okay?"  In the face of bad or not-so-flattering behavior shown to you, did you return that behavior in kind?  Do people consider you compassionate and respectful?  Do you have friends or just people you know?

            The most important and prized possession you can share is yourself.  What positive things have you done for others in your lifetime?

            The possibilities, opportunities, and questions go on and on.  What you want to be may not be who you are.  Have you taken an inventory of your life recently?

            You can live a happy and satisfying life while compiling good and positive things to fill out your "-".

            For such a small character, the "-" can mean nothing and everything.

            It depends on how you want to be remembered – that is, if you care.