When I first read this assignment, I knew exactly who I would choose to write about.

I am so grateful and so lucky to have been married to Carol for all these years.  Last year we had our 50th wedding anniversary.  I used to joke that I was married to the same woman for 50 years in a row on purpose.  Our golden anniversary was on 6/14/2025.  Unfortunately, we weren’t able to celebrate properly as she had been battling cancer for the last 3-1/2 years.  She never complained once during her treatments.  I promised her that I would always be there for her.  Unfortunately, Carol passed away in September 2025.  It is an understatement to say that my heart is irretrievably broken, and my life has not been the same since.  I am struggling and trying to learn to become okay with not being okay.

Carol had a big heart.  She was a caring and giving person, always putting herself last.  Shortly before her death, she was in a rehab center.  I would visit her every day.  Many times, I would see the call light on outside her room.  I would ask her how long it had been on?  She would reply and I would ask her why she didn’t call again?  Her response was always there were others who needed help more than her.  Typical.

Another time I casually mentioned that I liked a cookbook that I saw at my daughter’s home.  Despite her being at the very end of her life, two days later, Amazon delivers the book to my home.  Always thinking of others.

The sun rose and set on her grandchildren, always sending them gifts and cards and letters.  Sometimes I think she loved them more than me.

That’s Carol.  There was not a day that passed that I did not tell her that I loved her.  I would give anything in the world to spend one more day with her.

She taught me so much during our time together and she has left a hole in my heart that will never heal.  But I am thankful for all the good times we had together and I have only one regret:  I wish I had met her sooner.

RIP my love and wait for me to join you someday.  Love, me.