How many times have we wished we could tell someone we care about how much they mean to us before it was too late? This sentiment resonates with many of us, and the regret of not expressing our love can be incredibly powerful. But it’s important to remember that we don’t need to wait for special occasions to show our loved ones how much they mean to us.
Let me share a heartwarming anecdote that serves as a reminder of this important lesson. After 21 years of marriage, my wife had a special request for me – she wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain. The other woman she was referring to was my mother, who had been a widow for 19 years.
Due to the demands of my work and raising three children, I had not been able to visit my mother as often as I would have liked. Recognizing this, my wife wanted me to spend quality time with my mother, knowing how much she must have missed those mother-son bonding moments.
On that particular Friday after work, as I drove over to pick up my mother, I couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. However, as soon as I saw her, I was taken aback by her radiant smile. She had taken the time to curl her hair and was wearing the dress she had worn on her last wedding anniversary. She looked like an angel.
We went to a cozy restaurant, nothing too fancy but charming nevertheless. As we sat down, I realized my mother’s eyes could only read large print, so I read the menu for her. It was a nostalgic moment when she smiled and said, “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small.” I quickly responded, “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor.”
During dinner, we had a pleasant conversation, simply catching up on each other’s lives. We ended up talking so much that we missed the movie we had planned to watch. As I dropped my mother off at her house later that evening, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me treat you next time.” I wholeheartedly agreed.
When I returned home, my wife asked me about our dinner date. I couldn’t help but express how much I had enjoyed the evening. Little did I know that a few days later, my mother would pass away suddenly from a massive heart attack. I regretted not having more time with her, not being able to do more for her.
But then something extraordinary happened. I received an envelope in the mail with a copy of the restaurant receipt from that fateful dinner. The note attached read, “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure if I could be there, but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me.”
At that moment, I realized the true importance of saying “I love you” in time and giving our loved ones the time and attention they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than family. Don’t wait until it’s too late to express your love and create precious memories with your loved ones.
Remember, you don’t need a special occasion to show your loved ones how much they mean to you. Take the time today to reach out to your loved ones and let them know how much you care. Share this story on Facebook and inspire others to do the same. Click the SHARE button and spread the love!
