I LOVE YOU

When my Dad was first diagnosed with a health issue in the late 90s, I realised I didn’t know the man.  I knew him via what my mum had told us.  German/Danish heritage, with his mum committing suicide when he was a budding teen.  Thus he left home, and became an atheist.

I knew him for his storytelling of daily life, and his laughter.  I knew him for his love of hobbies and gadgets.  I knew him also for his quick temper, that generally came from some level of frustration, and unresolved issues.  Yet I didn’t know the man.  I was fortunate to have another 10 years, to get to know him.

Did I get to know the man?  I got to know as much as he felt safe sharing.  He had closed down parts of himself to protect the hurt from his mother, and other events that had occur in his teen life.  He never truly opened fully in this life.

I did notice a small opening.  After every conversation we had, I would finish with “I love you”.  Initially, he would laugh, and that would be the end of the conversation.  Then one day there was a breakthrough he repeated “I love you” after me, and then from there on he sometimes would say it first.

Dad passed on in 2007.  I still have days I miss his storytelling, laughter and “I love you”.

Life is short.  Don’t miss the opportunity to say “I love you” whenever the moment takes you.  Those three words can open you up, and offer the love that is needed in the world.  In any language, shouted, cried or laughed from an open heart.

“I LOVE YOU”