From the First Kiss to the Last Breath

For nearly three decades, Carol traveled the world through her consulting firm, Board Builders, helping nonprofit organizations raise billions of dollars, build stronger boards, and make the world a better place. Along the way, she discovered that organizations—and relationships—have more in common than you might think. Both thrive on trust, honest communication, shared values, and knowing when it’s time to call another meeting.

Carol is also a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation earned by fewer than 12 percent of professional speakers. To qualify, she presented at least 50 paid speeches a year for five consecutive years, spoke for more than 100 different clients, and earned over $250,000 in speaking fees. At 77, Carol is still enthusiastically saying “yes” to life. You’ll find her at the bridge table, on the pickleball court, taking dance lessons, planning her next trip, writing another book, or wondering if the gentleman across the room is single—and, more importantly, ambulatory.

She has laughed through life’s joys, cried through its heartbreaks, cared for the love of her life until his death, and discovered that hope has a remarkable habit of showing up when you least expect it.

If there’s one thing Carol has learned, it’s this: love isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it may mean a wonderful man, a faithful dog, a passport full of stamps, a cruise with friends, dinner for one without guilt, spoiling your grandchildren, taking ballroom dancing, learning to cook, volunteering, or finally putting yourself first. This is a choose-your-own-ending book. The questions matter far more than my answers.