Three simple words, yet among the most powerful words a human being can ever speak.
So why do we wait until it is too late to express how we truly feel? Why do we allow pride, ego, stubbornness, fear, or unnecessary silence to keep us from telling people what they genuinely mean to us?
If you love someone, say it. If you miss someone, say it. If you appreciate someone, say it. And when you do, say it with deep emotion, sincerity, and conviction. Say it and mean every single word.
Recently, I had what I jokingly call a “pillow fight” with someone very dear to me. In a very short period of time, we had been through experiences together that felt like many years. Some “organic” connections are difficult to explain because they are bigger than logic, bigger than circumstances, and sometimes only God can truly explain them.
We stopped talking for a while, yet neither of us blocked the other. We remained protective of each other, still cared deeply, and continued to have each other’s backs. The conversations stopped, but the bond never disappeared.
Then today, I finally surrendered and said, “Daddy, enough. I honestly miss you so much.”
And I meant every single word.
I poured my pure heart out and confessed how much I had missed him during our brief but deeply meaningful misunderstanding. It was a misunderstanding that taught both of us valuable lessons and forced us into reflection. In that reflection, we realized how much we genuinely loved and needed each other’s presence, support, and affection.
Tonight, I am writing him a poem that he will wake up to tomorrow morning. I am grateful to God for his life, and I am grateful that neither of us had to mourn the other before saying what needed to be said.
I honestly do not know if I would have ever forgiven myself if my silence, stubbornness, or playful naughtiness had caused him unnecessary pain, high blood pressure, or worse. Life is simply too fragile for unnecessary distance.
So today, search your heart.
Think about that person you truly care about. The one you miss. The one you secretly hope will call first. The one pride, ego, or stubbornness is keeping away from you because both of you are waiting for the other person to apologize first.
Meanwhile, you are hurting.
Meanwhile, you are missing them.
Meanwhile, life is moving forward.
Do not wait. Send that message.
“I love you.”
“I truly miss you.”
“I care about you.”
“I am deeply sorry.”
Say it while they can still hear it. Say it while you can still say it. Say it and mean it.
Because love left unexpressed is one of life’s greatest regrets.
Prof. Sandra Duru
