I have had several requests for this so here it is.  It appeared around 35 years ago.  My mother gave it to me after she found it in one of her memory drawers.

‘Just one more minute’ is good advice for all

Dear Ann Landers: I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world.  She is my wife, my lover, my confidante and my best friend.  I recently attended a wedding, and the groom took me aside and asked for my advice about married bliss.  I hope you think my advice is worth passing along, Ann.

                        Grand Prairie, Texas

Dear Grand Prairie:  I do indeed.  Here is your excellent advice: Always be aware that this life is all you have.  Once a minute is gone, there is no way to get it back, no matter how much apologizing or atoning you do.

There will come a time when one of you will lay down for the last time.  Only then will you wish you had those hours when, in anger, you didn’t speak to each other.  Only then will you remember all the times you spent with friends while your partner waited for you, alone.   Only then will you remember the kind words you could have said, but didn’t.  Only then will you remember when you could have shown understanding, but displayed anger.  Only then will you remember when your partner wanted to talk but you ignored her.

Only then, when you hold her hand for the final time, will you pray for a little more time, “Please, God---Just one more minute.”