AORE Association News February 2015 | Page 5

From the Executive Director Dear Members, With Pasty Kott's passing, AORE has lost one of its founding members. Patsy served on the Future Directions Committee, along with colleagues who first attended AORE conferences and established what was to become the association that you are now a part of. She has served in many other capacities since then, and has held numerous roles within the association, as a board member, committee chair, and a conference host. In reflecting on the loss of Patsy as well as the other AORE members who have passed before her, I wanted to share this poem with you. YOUR DASH – by Linda Ellis I read of a pastor who stood to speak At the funeral of his friend, He referred to the dates on his tombstone From the beginning to the end. He noted that first came the date of his birth, And spoke of the second date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That he spent alive on earth, And now only those who loved him Know what that dash is worth. For it matters not how much we own: The cars, the house, the cash. What matters most is how we live, And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard, Are there things we’d like to change? For we never know what time is left; We could be “at dash, mid-range.” If we could just slow down enough, To see what’s true and real, And always try to understand The way that others feel. And 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, Keeping in mind this special dash Might last but a little while. So when our eulogy’s being read, Our life’s actions to rehash, Would we smile at the things being said, About how we spent our dash? AORE is comprised of marvelous individuals who come together forming an amazing community. Individuals who lead vibrant lives filled with countless life changes. There are new jobs and new children, relationships that are starting and ending, marriages and divorces, new places to live, and growing responsibilities. There are the old and new friendships, individual challenges and successes, school work and civic duty. Where ever you are along your life's path, I hope you celebrate those people that you hold most dear and that you are leading the life you desire. Adventure On, Jeannette Stawski, CAE AORE Executive Director 5