It is one thing to regret something you did …. or something you said that you probably shouldn’t have… but what about something you should have done ~ but didn’t?
I am not referring to the failed opportunities you were given when you could not quite hit the mark.
Or the countless times you heard “No”. At least you put yourself out there and, in the end, it just might have made you a stronger, better person.
I am referring to something like a relationship you did not nurture or (in my case) the opportunity I did not take.
I wish I had told my parents how very much I loved and appreciated them. I wish I could have said thank you for the great life they gave me. Their strong faith, deep love for each other, and a shared sense of humor filled me with admiration.
My parents were getting older, and it began to dawn on me that one day our precious time together would come to an end. I began to think about the things I longed to say to them. For example, how much I appreciated their encouragement and support with decisions I made such as deciding to get bangs cut when I was a preteen to raising my children as a young mother. From the painful decision I shared with them when I decided to end a marriage to the joyful decision of purchasing a home by myself.
From my childhood, I fondly recalled many moments of playful teasing, joyful conversations around the dinner table, and listening to my dad tell jokes – he sure had a way with words! Everyone loved my parents and was drawn to their warm, gentle and humble natures. I wish they had known how proud I was to introduce them to my friends!
A few years before they died, I decided I would go over to their house and let my heart talk. I tried to plan ahead, and I found myself getting “choked up” just “thinking” about the words I wanted to say. (That is just the way I am when emotions hit. My voice usually cracks, and tears begin to trickle down my face as I struggle to get the words out. My throat literally seems to close up.) I was concerned it would upset them to see me struggle. I could imagine their worried faces and their effort to try to console me forcing me to stop before I was finished. Would they tell me they did what they did because they loved me, and my thanks was not necessary? On the other hand, if I actually could speak clearly, would I have been able to remember every single thing I wanted to say?
Unfortunately, I concerned myself with these obstacles for so long that I ran out of time. I know how much they would have appreciated those words of love and thanks. What parent wouldn’t? I did get the opportunity to say a few things to my mom as she lay dying (16 years ago), but I am not sure if she even heard or understood. I would like to think she did. Unfortunately, my dad died quickly (20 years ago) with just my mother by his side in spite of the effort all of us kids made as we rushed as quickly as we could to get there.
I know they knew I loved them. We said those words so often to each other. I just hope they knew how very much.
I am older and wiser now and am more confident I could actually speak the words coherently. I now long to give a voice to the words in my heart to some of the dearly loved people in my life – and I intend to get started.
“I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say…I just wish I could have told him in the living years” – Mike & the Mechanics, 1988
Savoring Sixty and Beyond 
Touched by this. Reading this, my thought is – They know now. All the things you ever wanted to say but couldn’t, every one of it is known to them now. But they would have learned of it even earlier, when they were still with you – by the way you lived your life and faced adversity and joy. They would have seen the lessons they taught you and the example that they were to you, being lived out in sweetness and in grace. I hope this comforts you in some way.
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Oh, thank you so much for reading and leaving your very kind comment. Your words bring me much peace and comfort. Thank you again!! ❤
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You honor your parents memory through the words you share about them. You can channel your regret into telling those still living how much you cherish or appreciate them.
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Yes, I agree, and the first person on my list is my precious older sister. Thanks so much for reading!
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Thanks so much for a glimpse into your heart. It really has me examining my own. What am I putting off? Where am I procrastinating? There is no guarantee of “a better time” or “the day after tomorrow.” I’m not much of a talker – or sharer of my thoughts or especially not of my heart. But I need to do better. Blessings to you!
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I am very similar to you…not much of a talker or sharer of my thoughts (at least not verbally). I would like to think my actions towards them spoke louder than any words could have. Thanks for helping me come to that conclusion as I type this reply. Have an especially blessed day!
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No matter how many times or in many ways that we showed our love, it never seems to be enough. They knew.
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You are right! Thank you for your reassurance.
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I couldn’t have thanked my parents orally, so I wrote them notes on their birthdays. It might have meant more in person, but I wouldn’t have been able to say things without wandering and digressing. They lived 1:200 miles away.
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I think it is great you wrote them notes on their birthdays. I wish I would have thought of writing to them – that was a good idea!
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You wouldn’t have thought about writing your parents unless you were in the habit of it. I wrote mine once a week until they died. I don’t think they kept my weekly letters, because they were not special — just descriptions of daily living.
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I am sure the letters brought great joy and I bet they looked so forward to receiving them! Long distance calls back then were so expensive!!
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Yes, long distance calls were rare treats.
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This is beautiful and so heartfelt I think nearly all of us feel the same. I wrote a letter to my parent as part of a challenge and it was cathartic… As you say we always regret not saying these things “In the living years” you have made me think I am going to find that letter and repost it. Thank you 💜💜☺️
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Thanks for your comment. 😊 I look forward to reading your post when you find the letter.
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I found it quite quickly which surprised me . I was so touched by yours. 💜
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Aww, thank you!
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It’s true.
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