Say the Words

When he joined our family by marrying the first-born daughter, I was an out-spoken, rather hyper, slightly obnoxious 8-year-old in pigtails. Sliding into place, he helped the family jigsaw become more beautiful and solid while taking wonderful care of our sister as her perfect match.

Decades later, my brother-in-law quietly slept through his last few hours on earth at a facility far from home.

When our sister invited the family to send audio files that she could play for him, we jumped on the opportunity to express love and appreciation to this dear man for the vital role he played in our family.

Later that evening, our sister sent the following message: "Thank you for all the sweet messages. I know he can hear, but I hope he can also understand. He never thought he did anything worth mentioning. He would be surprised and humbled to think he made a difference."

Those words echoed through my thoughts all evening.

This isn't right! Why didn't I tell my friend how much good he was doing while he was doing it?

Another sister voiced all of our thoughts in stating, "Well, then we should have told him more often how much we loved and appreciated him!"

At that point, I resolved to change.

I will express gratitude without reserve.

I will assure people that their actions are making a positive difference in the world.

I will freely give compliments.

I will recall the good memories that make us both smile.

I will not put off till tomorrow what can brighten today.

I will say the words.