function theDate prompt,current,default,notBefore,notAfter
  repeat
    get current
    if it is empty then get default
    ask prompt with it
    if the result is "Cancel" then exit to hypercard
    else if first char of it is "+" then
      delete first char of it
      get the seconds + it * (24*60*60)
      convert it to short date
      exit repeat
    else if first char of it is "-" then
      delete first char of it
      get the seconds - it * (24*60*60)
      convert it to short date
      exit repeat
    else if it is a number or it is not a date then
      answer it && "is not a valid date!" with "Ok"
    else if it < notBefore then
      answer it && "is before" && notBefore && "!" with "Ok"
    else if it > notAfter then
      answer it && "is after" && notAfter && "!" with "Ok"
    else
      exit repeat
    end if
  end repeat
  return it
end theDate