Deputy Sheriff Matt Long ~ E.O.W. 01/17/2007

Brother, Uncle, Best Friend, Deputy, Marine, Hero

IF I KNEW

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 see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never 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,
Tell them how much you love them
and that 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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The most destructive habit...................................Worry
The greatest Joy..................................................Giving  
The greatest loss.................................................Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work.....................................Helping others
The ugliest personality trait.................................Selfishness
The most endangered species............................Dedicated leaders  
Our greatest natural resource.............................Our youth
The greatest "shot in the arm".............................Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome......................Fear
The most effective sleeping pill...........................Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease.......................Excuses  
The most powerful force in life.............................Love
The most dangerous pariah.................................A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer.................The brain  
The worst thing to be without............................. Hope  
The deadliest weapon........................................The tongue
The two most power-filled words........................"I Can"  
The greatest asset..............................................Faith
The most worthless emotion...............................Self-pity  
The most beautiful attire.....................................SMILE!  
The most prized possession...............................Integrity  
The most powerful channel of communication....Prayer
The most contagious spirit..................................enthusiasm   
The most important thing in life...........................GOD