“I remember those happy days and often wish I could speak into the ears of the dead the gratitude which was due to them in life and so ill-returned.” Gwyn Thomas
One of the stories that I occasionally share during my programs is an account of my final conversation with my ex-husband who was losing his battle with cancer. Jeff called me to say ‘goodbye’, and after I had hung up the phone, I realized I hadn’t said everything I wanted to say. Instead of saying “Oh well, I don’t want to bother him again,” I called him back. We had a lovely conversation, and a week later, Jeff passed away.
After one such program, Joe approached me and shared that he lost his wife a few years ago after a prolonged illness. Lilly never wanted to talk about being sick, and Joe never wanted to admit to himself that she was dying, so nothing was ever said. To this day, Joe regrets not having that conversation – there was too much love left unsaid.
None of us are guaranteed a tomorrow. Please take some time today and let just one person in your life know how much you appreciate them. You never regret expressing your love, but you often regret the lost opportunities to share your feelings while that person is around to hear them. Embarrassment and insecurity are temporary; regret is forever.
PS – Even better than expressing your love and appreciation is taking a moment and writing it down in a note or letter – create a treasured memento for someone today.