Many years ago, I went to see a friend who was in hospital, dying of cancer. She was what you'd call a "casual" friend--we'd worked at the same place for four years and had shared a few dinners and confidences. Once, when I was going crazy sewing costumes for my little girls and the house was a mess, she'd unexpectedly dropped in--she was the kind of friend who'd pick up the broom and sweep the floor. Still, I was surprised, when on what turned out to be my last visit with her, she touched my hand and said, "I want you to know that I love you."
I realized that I'd never been told this, by a friend, before. I told her I loved her, too. But I was shaken, for I knew, at that moment, that she knew she was soon to die.
We usually think we don't "need" to tell our friends and relatives how we feel about them, because of course, they already know. Don't they? Actions speak louder than words, and the way you treat your friends and relatives says a lot. But if you sincerely care about someone, tell them. It will do their heart good to hear it, and do yours good to tell it. Don't wait.
