At days end

At the end of each year and prior to Christmas, you find yourself pause and reflect. How do you look back on the past year and your accomplishments? Are you proud? Are you happy? Are you regretful? December 23rd, 2003 my Grandfather, Stanley Valence Hillier, passed away. Prior to his passing, he wrote a poem that I’d like to share with you this season that he wanted to serve as his last words.

At days end,
Is anybody happier because you passed his way,
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today;

The day is almost over and it’s tailing time is through,
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you;

Can you say tonight in parting with the day that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed;

Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said,
Does the man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead;

Did you waste the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent,
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent;

As you close yours in slumber do you think that God will say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today.

Stanley Valance Hillier
April 25, 1913 – December 23, 2003

I hope that as we all pause and look back on the past year, that we look back fondly and with pride on what we have done and accomplished. I hope that we have helped others in need and that we leave 2010, in spite of pressure, stress and worry, knowing that we served to make it a little better and helped someone in need to find the courage to change their year for the better. At Dashboard, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and with warmth in our hearts we wish everyone a fabulous 2011.