Oh, so cheesy, middle school cheerleader of me, huh?
Regardless, you know it’s now stuck in your head for the remainder of the day (you’re welcome), so you might as well continue reading and see why I did such a horrid thing to you.
We spend a lot of time writing stories and giving you things to talk about. Many of you comment. Many of you don’t, and that’s ok. Maybe you’re shy? Maybe you don’t feel that you have anything to add? Maybe you agree—maybe you don’t?
Unfortunately, that is a trend in most of our lives. Many of us do not take the opportunity to comment. Comment on your wife’s hair, your husband’s new gizmo, your kids’ ‘A’ on a big assignment, your neighbor’s manicured lawn… the list could go on forever.
I read a couple of blog posts recently that discussed ‘deathbed regrets’—things that people who were dying said they wished they would have done. I saw two common factors in both. The first was making more time for friends and family. The second was all about communication: “I wish I would have said I love you more… I wish I’d had the courage to express myself… I wish I would have spoken my mind…”
Many of us also wish that the world was a better place, yet we tend to fail in the action department. It happens all the time.
Well, enough of all this. Today I want to you to do both. I want you to make the world a better place by telling someone you appreciate them and why.
If you run into the problem I mentioned up at the top of this article—shyness or what not, just don’t bring that person over to read what you wrote. If you aren’t too shy, simply write your message in the comments and ask them to stop by and read what you wanted to tell them.
Let’s brighten some days before the weekend, shall we?
I’ll start you off:
“To my wife and kids: I know I have spent more time away than with you in the last 11 years, but as I transition home this time, I can’t help but be thankful to have you all there, cheering me on, welcoming me home, and forgiving my absence. We all know how rough these things are, and I just want to tell you that I appreciate your support and love you all very much. I can’t wait to get home. HLK, B.”
Now it’s your turn, reader. Write away!
Nice style of writing, I like it.
Thank you, Mark. I see this is your first comment. Welcome! Hope to continue to see you around.
Awwww, we love and appreciate you too!! More that you will EVER know!!! Can’t wait to see you walk off that plane! NOT MUCH LONGER!!!!!!!!!
And while I’m at it, and following the suggestion of this post:
As I previously said, you will never know just how much I appreciate you for all the sacrifices you’ve made for me. The first one being the fact that you took my package deal that came with a child you’ve helped raise as your own. You could have run the other way and never looked back, I love you for being her Daddy by choice! Secondly, the decision you made to join the military to provide for our family. Yes, it’s been a rough few, okay 11 years, but the security it has provided in knowing that we have a roof over our heads, food on the table, etc. is all because of the sacrifices you’ve made. Please don’t ever think they have gone unnoticed, and I apologize for the times that I didn’t say it or show it as well as I should have. Last but not least, thank you for loving me, believing in me, and always encouraging me to do what I want to do, without questions, without judgement, without limits. Even though you don’t always have the best of patience when it comes to waiting you’ve always been here waiting for me to come up with the next idea, or crazy business plan, with the same encouragement each time. Thank You! And fifty years from now I will have a bajillion more things to thank you for, and I know you’ll be here waiting, loving, and encouraging. I love you too, hlk,b
oh and p.s. Lexi: you’re mini me, the kid amazes me more and more everyday. Love her, love you for her!
HA! In fifty more years, I’ll be so old and crotchety you’ll wish you could just end it and be done, lol. And thank you. 😉
nah, I’ll just be the one helping you go down the stairs, LOL!!!!! 😉
Helping? Yeah right. One story it is. LOL!
I’ll send this one out to my dad. I was always closer with my mom growing up as my father was the typical “working dad,” getting home around dinner time, briefcase in hand. He of the, “Just wait until your father gets home,” or, “Ask your father when he gets home.” Lately though, as a working dad myself (although I’m fortunate enough to get home at a fairly good time), I find that our relationship has become more like that which I have with my mom. Friends who share their successes and struggles with each other as well as shoot the breeze about the light stuff.