Words With Meaning
The Dash
Grace Lane’s “The Dash” centers on living with purpose today – recognizing that life is unpredictable – and ensuring your finances support what brings you joy while we walk alongside you as your path unfolds.
The Dash Poem
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 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 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 still can be rearranged.
To 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 lived your dash?
By Linda Ellis, Copyright © 2020 Southwestern Inspire Kindness, thedashpoem.com
He noted that first came the date of 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 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 still can be rearranged.
To 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 lived your dash?
By Linda Ellis, Copyright © 2020 Southwestern Inspire Kindness, thedashpoem.com
Meet Greg Rychlik
December 11, 2025
Q: It’s so hard to believe that five years have passed. Take us back to that time. What was going on? A: In the summer of 2019, Melanie’s dad passed away. We traveled to Albuquerque for his Celebration of Life…
The concept of The Dash is particularly poignant to us following the devastating loss of Greg’s wife, Melanie, who passed away in 2019 following a tragic car accident. It has been a mountain for Greg and he is still living through the grieving process. For the Grace Lane team, it brought home the reality of the frailty of life and the importance of making every moment count.
Those who knew Melanie, knew her as a person who was intent on giving the best of herself while making the most of each and every day. She was passionate, energetic, and intent on living well. She was an accomplished tennis player, a passionate animal lover, she enjoyed wine, telling a good story (with a little embellishment), astrology, estate sales, and was active in her community, volunteering with CASA, Make a Wish, and Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Melanie’s father, who passed away only weeks before her, had given her a copy of the poem The Dash, and she kept it with her all the time. It was a reminder to live her life to the fullest; to stay focused on the space between. Those of us who knew her would agree that she succeeded. Melanie will always be an important part of Grace Lane.
Those who knew Melanie, knew her as a person who was intent on giving the best of herself while making the most of each and every day. She was passionate, energetic, and intent on living well. She was an accomplished tennis player, a passionate animal lover, she enjoyed wine, telling a good story (with a little embellishment), astrology, estate sales, and was active in her community, volunteering with CASA, Make a Wish, and Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
Melanie’s father, who passed away only weeks before her, had given her a copy of the poem The Dash, and she kept it with her all the time. It was a reminder to live her life to the fullest; to stay focused on the space between. Those of us who knew her would agree that she succeeded. Melanie will always be an important part of Grace Lane.
Let’s Begin the Conversation
Before we talk numbers, we want to hear your story. Whether you’re shaping the next chapter or rethinking the path you’re on, let’s begin with a conversation that centers on you. No pressure — just clarity, care, and a collaboration built on understanding.