Marvin Newman: Lived The Dash

Greetings this Friday morning, a day I reflect on a sudden loss. Yesterday I attended the funeral for Dr. Marvin Newman, a devoted teacher and supportive friend. Many of his colleagues and friends joined his wife, Myrna, their children, and other family members gathered outdoors to say goodbye to him. Marvin had juggled two careers. He was an attorney, and he taught at Rollins College for many years.

Marvin Newman

I first met Marvin around the time Hoyt and I began dating in 2000. You could always be assured that when you were around Marvin his enthusiasm for life would be right there to inspire you. He was a runner and a swimmer. I think the energy from doing those things overflowed into his social interactions. When my memoir came out, Marvin made a point of showing his deep interest in my story and was always eager for news about how it was reaching people. May you rest in peace, Marvin. May your family and friends take comfort in the lovely memories they have of you.

To learn more about Dr. Newman’s career at Rollins, click here.

The ceremony

This was first one I’d ever experienced for someone who was Jewish. The Jewish ceremony impressed me with its welcoming serenity, its warmth and respect, and its lovely tribute to Marvin. The service was held in the cemetery with a breeze coming in from the lake and the old oak trees shading us from Florida’s heat. The quietness went deep. The service was moving and from the heart. This poem that the rabbi read stays with me this morning. Enjoy.

The Dash Poem (By Linda Ellis)

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 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
That 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 can still be rearranged.

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 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 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?

__________________________

Thanks for reading.

Your writer on the wing,

Charlene