This evening I received a card from my brother.
Very few words, but seldom have I been as touched.
It said;

_____” Rob –

________ Every single day I appreciate you.

_____________ Thank You

__________ Love,

______________ Chris ”

Chris is my twin brother. And sure, we both know
there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for the other, etc…
but it’s something that really isn’t said.
And yet, it’s been 6 hours
and each time I read it I get teary eyed.
I guess sometimes we need to hear that,
and maybe I’ve needed to hear it more than I knew.

How many people go days, weeks, years
without someone telling them how they are appreciated,
how much they mean to them; how much they are loved.
We take so much for granted.
We tell ourselves “They know I care”
instead of saying it to the other person.

I recall it was but a few years ago that I actually told
my parents that I loved them. I think it was 2003.
I remember calling with the intent to say it.
And I chickened out.
So I called back and told my Dad that
I only pretended to call earlier for whatever reason.
And I got to tell him that the real reason I had called
was to tell him that I loved him.
Since then, all of our calls end with
both my parents and myself saying “Love you”.
And I’m always aware how much I mean it when I do.
There’s never been a question about it
– but it’s rarely been said.
Always assumed; taken for granted – a given.

So why say it ? Why tell someone you’re thinking of them ?
Why call an old friend and tell them
you were just thinking about them
and that you’re glad they’re in your Life ?
Because words heal, and often time
has a way of numbing our wounds.
They are the evidence – the expression of what is inside.
How do you feel when someone says
something nice to you – and means it?
How does it make you feel when someone says:
“I don’t think I tell you enough how much you mean to me”.
Has anyone ever said that ?

For myself, I become very aware that
it really is good to be alive;
and I think the world of the person
who shared their message with me.
People you know suffer quietly every day,
starving for acknowledgment, for appreciation, for love.
The impact you can have with a few words
can echo for generations.
You can be the catalyst and the cause in changing the world.
As farfetched as this may seem at first,
a ripple in the heart of humanity
can change the face of the earth.
And to those around you,
you are already making an impact
– by what you say, and don’t say.

All I ask of you is not to forget anyone…

…and begin with those closest to you
who you think don’t need to be told.

~Rob