An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love

If you had one hour to live and could make just one phone call, who would you call? What would you say? And why are you waiting? - To Kris, the love of my life, on our eighteen wedding anniversary. Love, Richard.

This is a true love story that serves as a reminder and a wake up call. It is written by Kristine Carlson, in loving memory of Richard Carlson, her husband of more than 25 years. His sudden departure from the world hit her hard but she has chosen to live and carry on his legacy. The book is focused on answering a letter Richard wrote to her on their eighteen wedding anniversary. And with it, also provides us insights, inspire us, and remind us what it is that really matters in life. 

Richard Carlson was himself an inspirational author though I've never read his works.And while death may have now do them part, Kristine carries him in her heart always. In this way, she believes that love does last forever. The loss is painful but carrying on needs courage and I salute her for that. As she put it, "..as I vow never to sleepwalk through life again. When it is said that life goes on for the living, we should correct this statement by saying life goes on for the living who are fully awake."

Overall the entire book can be summarized in one of Richard's favorite poem, Tomorrow Never Comes, by Norma Cornett Marek.

Tomorrow Never Comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly, and pray the Lord your soul to keep. 

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you walk out the door, 

I would give you a hug and kiss, and call you back for just one more. 

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, 

I would tape each word and action, and play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time, I would spare an extra minute or two,

To stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you know I do. 

So just in case tomorrow never comes, and today is all I get, 

I'd like to say how much I love you, and I hope we never will forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, 

And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day

That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss,

And you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish. 

So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,

That you love them very much, and you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say "I'm sorry," "Please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay."

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.

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