Robert B. Weld


Lovingly know as "Uncle Bob" past away the evening of July 11th in Las Vegas. His heart will forever hold a special place  with Chebeague having spent over 60 summers here up until August 2001. Just a week ago, maybe as a premonition he sent this poem to his "Chebeague Family" entitled "The Dash" which we thought expressed "Uncle Bob's" passion for life more than a eulogy ever could. Take a minute to read "The Dash" and pass it on. On any given evening just before sunset during your East End drive you may be lucky enough to see "Uncle Bob" and Gertrude waving to you from their lawn chairs.

 

 

The Dash

I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates between the dash on his tombstone
from the beginning . . . . to end.

He noticed that first came the date of his birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
but said what mattered most of all
was the date between the years.

For that dash represents all the time
that he spent on earth . . . . . . .
and now only those who loved him
know what that little time was worth.

For all that 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 mid-range")

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 our appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we 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 spent your dash?

In loving memory of Robert B. Weld who spent his dash well! Chebeague will forever hold a special place
in his heart..