“I love you” are powerful words when used authentically.  I was reminded earlier this week regarding the importance of verbally communicating the love in your heart.  Equally important is the meaning of what we say!

During this time of social distancing, it seems even more important to define our feelings in words.  Those words might be targeted at our family, friends, or even co-workers. 

When entering my parent’s home I am greeted with warm hugs.  When I leave we again exchange heartfelt hugs and say, “Love you.”  During this time of social distancing, it is awkward to come and go without exchanging hugs. 

Without the ability to hug or shake hands, our words and facial expressions become increasingly important indicators as we greet and interact with people.  Enthusiasm, concern, anger, disappointment, hope, love, and so many emotions are communicated by our words and expressions. 

It is a struggle for some people to talk about their feelings.  The ability to say, “I love you” is not always easy.  If we are fortunate, we are taught by example.

I don’t believe it is something that we can be forced to learn.  The words are meaningless without the expression of our feelings.  I do believe we can grow, trust, and learn to express love to others. 

It is not always romantic love.  More often it is love for your family, for friends, for your co-workers, and ultimately a general love for others.     

Usually, people are aware of your feelings through your actions, but it is important to learn how to say the words, “Love you.”  Showing someone you love them is wonderful.  Hearing the words with acts of kindness to back up the words is priceless.  Withholding the words or actions is hurtful.

I was very spoiled and fortunate that my late husband kissed me goodbye and said, “I love you” every single time we left each other.  It didn’t matter where one of us was going, the grocery store, work, out with friends… that was our routine.  Even when we momentarily didn’t like each other, we loved each other unconditionally and that was a wonderful feeling.

I found it very interesting that the only day that he did not kiss me goodbye was the day that he left this earth. I distinctly remember thinking as he drove away that evening, he forgot to kiss me goodbye.  I even laughed to myself because that was a first.   

Our girls were 15 months old at the time and rarely were in a stroller unless they were being punished.  They always wanted to run!  For some reason that night they got in the stroller and we walked their dad to his car to say goodbye.

Both girls waved goodbye to their dad.  One of the girls stood up in the stroller and continued to wave goodbye to him as he drove slowly down one of the busiest streets in town.   

The girls always loved being around their dad, but this night was different than any other.  The details of that beautiful goodbye were etched in my memory even before I knew what was to come that evening.  I remember thinking to myself that they were certainly showering their dad with love!

During this very difficult time, we are going through I pray that I am alert to opportunities to spread love to others.  I never want to underestimate the importance of being kind and displaying love for one another.

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