I have learnt that life is not forever.  Sooner or later a time will come when some of the people I love will no longer be around and then it would be too late for me to say to them how much I love them.   This is a regret that many adults have.   It seems that people do all sorts of things in life, even the unthinkable.  Yet they feel rather shy and self-conscious to express love.  Amazing, isn’t it?    

Are you one of those special persons who take the time to say “I love you” to your dear and cherished ones?   You may not necessarily take them for granted, yet you may be cheating them out of the most beautiful sound to the ear: “I love you, I appreciate you, and I adore you”.   This loved one can be your parent, sibling, grand parent, cousin and of course a friend.

There are so many stories of persons who waited too long to express appreciation to their loved ones. The date with death “suddenly” arrived and it was now too late. I wrote a letter to my parents a few years ago telling them how much they meant to me, and they were elated. Actually my mother framed it! The expression of love sure surpasses the tangibles (yes, even diamonds!) that we give to people.

Parents sacrifice a lot and usually the children reap the benefits of their labour. Do we say” thank you”? Well, I have started. I do not wish to be amongst the many unfortunate who take their loved ones for granted or who are incapable of expressing gratitude.

Why don’t you make today different? Go to a special person in your life and let them know how much they mean to you. Yes, do it right now. They will feel good and my friend, you will feel fantastic. Nothing gives you a high like love. Make it present in your life everyday and the trials and tribulations will seem much lighter.

Love someone today. Tell them. Take it from someone who knows.  Aim to have no regrets when your loved ones pass on to the beyond. Although I always appreciated my father, when he suddenly died I still wished I had shown him even more love. I no longer have that opportunity in a “tangible” way, but maybe you do. Do not waste it.   Won’t you like to know that others love and value you? Won’t you want to hear it from their lips? Of course, in the bigger scheme of things our actions do speak louder than our words. But genuine, loving words emphasize our feelings and the recipients feel wonderful.

I know some of us, including me, are sometimes shy to express such deep sentiments. But why? Let us be confident. Do not deprive yourself and your loved ones.  Imagine, just this weekend an aunt called to say hello.  At the end of the conversation, she says “Love You” and I reciprocated.  Two days after she died.  How lucky I was to have my last words to her be an expression of my adoration and love for her!  I miss her deeply but I have no regrets!

You are a brave and bold teenager.  I have faith in you.  Not only do I want you to succeed academically and professionally, but also emotionally and spiritually.   So I want to give you a challenge.  Go to your parents now and just say “Mom / Dad, I love you. Thank you for being in my life. You mean the world to me”! Go on…do it now.  You will not always have that opportunity.   Cherish people today.   It makes unavoidable separation lighter and easier and clears your conscience of any impending regrets.   And in this note, I send you my love and regards!

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.”  - Barbara De Angelis