[Sign Guestbook]
Comments: I read the dash on a friends website. I liked it so much and was so inspired by it, that I went to your web site and purchased it and the simple truths. Two days later I realized that I forgot to sign your guest book.
Comments: Linda, I just wanted to write to show my appreciation for you sharing your website with me and look forward to sharing it with friends and family who may need to read or hear just the right thing at the right time! Keep up your important work! I am inspired by you... Candy : )
Comments: You are so "AWESOME"!! Your words of wisdom; are so "INSPIRING"!! I do not know you; but I can see how beautiful you are..between the "DASH"!!! Teresa
Comments: I recently e-mailed you about your poem; It stated author unknown. Now that I know who wrote it; do I have your permission to use it? Teresa Teets
Comments: Linda- Last night I heard Coach Gene Stallings quote your poem, almost word for word, in a talk to The Exceptional Foundation in Birmingham (http://www.theexceptionalfoundation.org) - a nonprofit for children and adults with disabilities. He also talked about John Mark and wove reminiscences together with your poem. I assure you there was not a dry eye in the building. My husband and I will be sharing your words with our family - thank you! Marilyn Faith
Comments: Linda I heard your poem "The Dash" for the very first time this morning at a friend's funeral. It was so awe inspiring that when I came home I had to "Google" it. Now I will look into your other works. Thank you.
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Comments:   DEAR LINDA, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU, CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BOOK.. ITS BBEN SO LONG SINCE IVE HEARD FROM YOU, I WILL BE BUYING YOUR NEW BOOK.. THINGS HERE ARE FINE, I M IN COMISSION, BUT ITS BEEN VERY HARD AND A VERY LONG TRIAL, GOD IS GOOD.I LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT ,DOWN TO 127LBS..BUT IM ALIVE AND I CAN REMEMBER , THE WORDS YOU HAD WRITTEN ABOUT YOUR DADS BATTLE WITH CANCER, IT IS A VERY MEAN AND UGLY ORDEAL, TO DEAL WITH. I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW YOUR POEMS SURE HELPED ME TO GET THROUGH THE DAYS .. TAKE CARE AND EXCUSE THE MESSY WRITING, IM STILL REAL SHAKY AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A SPECIAL FRIEND LOVE JAN
Comments: Hi We love your poem, some one left your book on my door step, they know I'm a poet, so I guess they thought I'd love your book, well they were right, We do, me and my girlfriend Madelynn. thanks, WS, Madelynn http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/WordSlinger & http://www.originalpoetry.com/poet/Madelynn
Comments: Hello I am a social worker in Columbus, Ohio I heard The Dash for the first time when one of our foster parents passes away it forever changed my life it made me think and made me now say to myself would i want that to be my dash and helps me make good decisions. I share it with everyone and work with severly abused children and share it with them as well. Thank you for a wonderful message that has changed my life and the life of others.
Comments: I found your poem while sitting in the waiting room at hospice of Dayton, my younger brother Matt (age 41) had just passed away from cancer. The poem brought me so much comfort, THANK YOU! I have since shared it with all my friends here at Smith elementary in Oakwood Ohio. Thank you once again with sharing it with me. Sincerely, Tony Goodman
Comments: I first heard of your poem, The Dash, in our local newspaper when it was used in an article paying respect to the deceased homeless in our area. What a fitting tribute as "we all have our story".
Comments: Your poem really hits the mark about life! Are you coming to Kansas City anytime? Brenda
Comments: Thank you Linda for awakening my soul and for your beautiful poems. You are amazing an inspiration to everyone. May Love and Light surround you always. God Bless you.
Comments: It is wonderful to have met you. Wow! Hallelujah! We should correspond more.
Comments: I just read your poem,"The Dash" for the first time tonight.May God continue to bless you,and may your gift of writing poems bring honor to Him.
Comments: MS.LINDA ELLIS, I ATTENDED A FUNERAL OF A 98 YEAR OLD SAINT OF GOD TODAY.THE FUNERAL LASTED 90 MINUTE'S AND I HAVE TO SAY IF THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A BEAUTIFUL FUNERAL.THIS HAD TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FUNERAL I HAVE EVER ATTENDED.YOUR POEM "THE DASH" WAS READ CLOSE TO THE CLOSING OF THE SERVICE'S. I HAVE NEVER HEARD THE POEM OR OF YOU BEFORE.I WENT AND ASKED THE MINISTER AFTER THE SERVICE'S THE NAME AND AUTHOR OF THE POEM. I JUST WANT TO "THANK YOU" FOR LISTENING TO GOD CALLING IN YOUR LIFE AND MOST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK GOD FOR USING YOU IN THIS SPECIAL WAY. "THANK YOU" KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR BROTHER IN THE LORD, ORA W. ICE
Comments: Hello My Niece, This is one of your aunts. I have lost touch with you and most of your Dad's family. How have you been? Are you still writing as much? I sent your poem "The Dash' to a lady in my church whose son was killed in a car accident last week. He was an 18 year old, soon to be a Senior at the same school Robbie's son Colby just graduated from 6/5/09. He was a wonderful Christian young man and over 800 people attended his funeral. At the close of the service over 30 people accepted Christ as their Savior. I never thought to see if my pastor would have read your poem if I had shown it to him. Anyway, e-mail me if you want. I would like to hear from you.
Comments: Linda, Your poem "The Dash" was read at my nieces funeral last fall, I was so taken with it that I have shown it to numerous people. I just viewed your web site and it is wonderfully insightful. My 48 year old daughter just died of Breast Cancer. I plan to have your poem read at her funeral on Monday and have ordered 5 copies of the book for my three young grandchildren that she leaves behind and my two other children. The poem certainly embodies the life of my daughter. She was a successful business woman, but the most important things in her life were God, her children, her family and her friends. You put all that into words. I thank you. Suzy Livergood
Comments: Dear Linda, thank you
Comments: I read the Dash at my dad's memorial service. It was the second time I had heard it. It was read in February at my aunts funeral and I was touched by it. Today I watched Remember me with my mom. We both cried. How can I get the poem Remember me. I would love to have it. Thank you for your uplifting words.
Comments: Dear Linda,Tomorrow's Eve is beautiful,we should all take the time we have to enjoy each moment with our loved ones.Thank You for all your writings they touch my heart & soul. Diana
Comments: P.S. The Dash was read at her funeral.
Comments: Thank you for the Popsicle story. I just lost my Mother after a terrible 18 months of slow demise and lund cancer. On the last morning I spent with her all she could eat was ice cream. Your story brought a smile to my face.
Comments: Ms. Ellis, I remember when the radio personality read "The Dash" on his program in 1994. I was so moved by your poem. I just recently read "The Teacher's Dash" and loved it just as much. I have taught children for the past 39 years, either in my church or as a school teacher and have loved almost every minute of it. Thank you for sharing your inspirations and God-given talent with all of us!
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Comments: Thank you Ms. Ellis for God's gift to you. i lost my sister nancy on tuesday, after a five year fight with breast cancer. your poem was read in august, 2008, at a district seminar and i wrote your poem's name down, thinking if Nancy lost her battle with cancer, i should read the story behind your poem. Thank you for your inspired writings. I will have your poem in my pocket tomorrow standing graveside looking at other's dashes praying that those surrounding her resting place will remember the inbetween times with love. Bless you Ms. Ellis.
Comments: I lost my mother in January of this year. One of my friends at work sent me your poem "The Dash" I read it and it helped me realize that mother had a great dash. Thank you for your words.
Comments: Thank you, Linda for being the instrument of grace that God would use to bless my day with love!
Comments: Linda, I love all your writings. They are a gift that I continue to pass on to those I love. Thank you for your gifts and amazing heart. Marcia
Comments: Hello, Linda good afternoon I'm a 26year old Mortician and I recite your poem "The Dash" at each and every funeral that I do.It never fails at least three or more people come to me and states, "where can I get that poem from,it was so wonderful thank you so very much.I Love your poem it's my favor, it really gets you to think about your life and how you treat the people in your life.Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Comments: Dear Linda, Your poem The Dash was brought to my attention about 1/2 an hour ago by someone that is like a daughter to me...what an awesome poem it is!!! Thank you for sharing your gift (the ability to put such emotions on paper is an amazing one!!). I'll be reading the rest of your poems, believe me! Sincerely, Jill Nelson
Comments: Dear PJ, Thank you for signing my guestbook (below). I appreciate your taking the time to use your freedom of speech to express your opinion. Let me also take this moment to be thankful for those who gave their lives to ensure that you could. Linda Ellis
Comments: Dear Linda, I just finished viewing the copy of "Lies Are Like Boomerangs" that a friend sent me. Your collection of "Certain Truths" resonated deeply and I found myself moved and inspired until the appearance of the unfortunate slide on "Patriotism." There's a growing movement all over this planet of people coming to understand that we're all in the same boat, and that as long as we allow our leaders to instigate the kind of "My country's better than yours" xenophobic nationalism expressed by phrases like "The Mighty Red, White, and Blue" there's never going to be peace on Earth. Then, there's the second half of the slide that divides people into categories -- those who don't and those who do. I think the main reason this slide seems so jarringly out of place is that it seeks to divide while every thought and wish on every other slide seeks to make whole. Do you really think there are those of us who "don't serve our country?" I prefer to see a world where we each serve in our own way. Please don't think that I don't love my country, I most definitely do. But, I've also learned to see my reflection in my brothers and sisters from other countries, and I favor each and every one of us loving each of our countries right up to the point that patriotism leads to hostilities. It's at that point that the Truth on the slide about Priorities comes into play. Of course, it's just my opinion, but it seems like the whole presentation is beautifully spiritual and uplifting, and then there's that one stink bomb thrown in -- polluting the spiritual with the political. A nice verse on the Truth about Peace would be lovely. Barring that, the whole presentation would be strengthened by the removal of that slide. Thank you for listening. PJ
Comments: Hello Linda, Your poem, "Is That You", came to me on the 19th of Feb. but I wasn't able to read it until just now. This poem came at the most appropriate time, as my Mom passed away on Feb. 20th, 2009. We know that she has left us to be with our Dad as well as all her siblings and parents, and everyone near and dear to her. This comforts us greatly, because now we feel that she is whole again, after suffering with Alzheimer's for 13 years. I have always felt that my Dad has been watching over me and has helped me through the tough times with Mom. I am going to miss not being able to give my Mom a hug and kiss her sweet face, but will remember to look for her in all those things that she loved to do when she was able. Thank you for all the wonderful work that you do, in knowing so well, how to bring comfort to so many in the beautiful words that you write.
Comments: Linda, I attended 2 funerals on Saturday and at the first one, it was for my step-grandmother. The pastor mentioned "The Dash"... I was taken back with his words and made me think the whole day about my dash. Anyways, I am a videographer and document some very important moments in many peoples' dash. I created a photo montage that contained some video footage of her that played throughout the funeral which was a visual of her dash and everyone in the family noted how it helped them cope and come to terms and then some... Long story short, it made me realize that life is short and how important one's dash is. I posted my "revelation" on a private forum and another member turned me to your site. I'll be ordering a book, DVD or something... anyways, I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that your work is getting around and how inspirational it is!
Comments: Linda, My father passed away last week. At his funeral, the rabbi pulled out his worn and battered book and he read from a slip of paper pasted to the back cover. He read about the dash, and I was taken. I now know it was your poem. It hit home. Even my brother who has never been a sentimental sort, commented how he enjoyed the poem and the point it makes about that little dash. It's just so true. Of all the carvings and quotes that may adorn a headstone, the most meaningful symbol on there is that unassuming little dash. Thank you for sharing your words with the world. You've given me a remarkable gift. Erika Mitchell Nashville, TN
Comments: Dear Miss Linda, I have read your book "The Dash", it was given to me by my mother, shortly after the loss of my only son James. He was a special needs child, and passed away almost three years ago this February. James was nine and a half when he died. Since then I have been trying to make sense of it all. I know that James is in a better place now. Where he can run and play and do all the things that he couldn't do when he was alive. I miss him more every day. Even though it has been three years, it still seems like it was just yesterday when I was putting him to bed and kissing him goodnight. James was my world, and it seems like a huge part of my life is missing. I was wondering if you had any books that might help me make more sense of all this. And possibly shed a light for me to follow, to make my life make more sense. Thank you, For listening!! If you can help me in any kind of way I would be very grateful to you. Thanks again Elizabeth
Comments: Hi Linda, I heard you poem for the first time 18 months ago at the funeral of my wife's grandfather. It touched not just our hearts but the hearts of the everybody present. We now carry this message along with us everyday with all that we do, and wen someone asked us when they see our tattoo, "what is 'LIVE THE DASH'? We tell them the story and without fail you can see the change in their eyes, the feeling they get when they start thinking themselves about living their own dash and how they would like to be remembered. Your story has hit us in the best possible way here in Australia and I'm sure it has effected lives all over the world. Your message is being spread wider every day and I would like to thank you for your words and the daily reminder of just how important it is to utilise the time we have on this planet as we only have one shot at it. Keep up the good work Linda and thank you once again. Regards Nick Lauricella
Comments: i heard your poem a funral it was so uplifting
Comments: I heard your poem at a rosary funeral, I had to find out how loved lift so much that they could put in in words. Thank you for reminding us how important our dash is. Peace and the Lord be with you always.
Comments: Thankyou so much for your lovely poems and your thoughtful writings I shed tears on reading about the boxes.I am going to start working in a childrens hospice would it be possible for you to write something for the parents of these children to hang on to whilst caring for them and also when they pass on. Can I buy your books in England thankyou so much for your inspirational words Sincerely maggie
Comments: Linda, Thank you for the latest entry on your blog "BOXES". It came to my email on the 4 month anniversary of the death of my dad. It fit so perfect....I never stopped to realize... everything you put in that story was so true. THANK YOU!!! Thank you for other poems you have written...I hope you know how many lives you touch with your poetry. Thank you Peggy
Comments: Hello Linda Ellis: I am seeking permission to use "How Do You Live Your Dash" in a manual of memorial service readings. It will be self-published in a three-ring binder and advertised to chaplains and pastors. I expect to produce about 100 copies of the manual. May I have permission to use the poem? Thank you, Ralph McFadden
Comments: I had read The Dash before but heard it again at the funeral of a long time friend who died suddenly from a heart attack. This friend always greeted everyone like they were his best friend and I don't know how he found time to touch the lives of all the people that he knew. He was loved by his family, his friends, co-workers and young people that he worked with when he spent countless hours working on fundamentals with a girls basketball program. He was Christ-like but you would not have described him as religious. His funeral was packed with people from all walks of life, poor-wealthy and everyone in between. The older I get the more it becomes clear that time on this earth is short whether you live to be 10 or 95. What a wonderful world it would be if each of us nurtured the goodness in ourselves and in others.
Comments: The Dash is beautiful! It was passed on to me recently when my son, 26yrs old passed away Nov.14th. He touched alot of peoples lives during his short life and your poem sure is perfect. Thank you.
Comments: wonderful poem, I heard it several years ago at a event for MADD Mothers against drunk driving. Many of the victims I have come in contact with look at this poem with very warm hearts and it means very much to them when thinking of their loved ones Thank you for your great work. from Florida
Comments: Just viewed your page on "how much do you make an hour" and it was touching. As touching as the first time I read it several years ago. I was surprised you copyrighted the presentation of someone else's words. RESPONSE: It was part of my collection of poetry from MANY years ago, which has a copyright filed with the Library of Congress. Perhaps what you read previously were my words? :-) How about an email address for a response? Thanks for visiting my site. Glad you enjoyed my poem.
Comments: hello My grandfather whom i was very close with passed away on DEC 6 2008 his funeral was held Friday DEC 12 the minster read your poem The dash it was a moving poem and was so touching and has made me think of how i am living my life and life is short but can be made longer by the simple things in life which i think alot of us have forgotten i just wanted to let you know i will remember the words you have spoke and want you to know it has helped me through a rough time and for that i thank you Allison
Comments: Hi, Just wanted to say what an inspiration you have been to my life. I have added The Dash to my priority list and send it off as a little note to my friends. So Linda thank you for your inspiration and I so enjoy you blog. It has so many of life's little messages in it. We get so caught up in the fast lane, that we need to slow down and smell the roses. I am doing just that. Seasons Greetings to you and yours. Lynne |
hey linda words can not say how awesome you r. and how hard you work to put these words on paper.it takes somone with a special gift and you hav it.you touched alot of people.and made alot of people smile........keep up the good work.and take care of your self. thank you very much your friend kelly| < Previous 50 | Next 50 > |
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