I have a wonderful family who I am very close to. And while we all know that we are loved by each other, we do not often express this to each other. That is changing though….
In December 2006, my father passed away. He had suffered from ill health after having a heart transplant 15 years earlier. Although I knew he was very sick it was such a shock when he died suddenly, alone. I honestly had never been able to imagine it happening, he was such a fighter.
My father and I had an interesting relationship. He was a troubled man who often did things that hurt those he loved most. He was a very hard man and our relationship had been strained at times but when he died, despite all the bad things that had been said or done, my first and primary thought was:
“Did he know how much I loved him despite everything?”
The bad stuff didn’t get a look in, the good stuff was pleasant to reflect on but ultimately I wanted to know that he knew how much I had loved him. Because I did, and still do, very much. That was the thing that saddened me the most, was that I had never put that out there beyond the regular birthday and Christmas card exchange. So, I wrote him a letter. I still have it but I pray that where ever he is, he has heard my words and he knows the truth.
The lesson that experience taught me was that I wanted my loved ones to know, as much and as often as possible, how much I loved them. And so whenever I have the chance I let them know in some little way, whether it be a card, a whisper or a message on a blackboard (see below), that I love them. The happiness it brings to my loved ones is wondeful to watch!
How often do you let your loved ones know how much you love them? We get so wrapped up in trying to get through every day that we can forget how important the really simple things are. And, ultimately, it is these simple things that will create happiness and change in your world. So go on, tell someone you love them in a way you’ve never told them before and watch the pleasure wash over their face!
Lots of LOVE, Lily!
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P.S. My Mum took this picture as a reminder of my love
