Say It Now

Mom received so many compliments the night of the visitation and the day of her funeral.  No, scratch that.  We, her three children, received the compliments.  People who knew and loved her came up telling us what a wonderful person, teacher, friend she was.  But to be brutally honest, she could have cared less at this point. Who needs human praise when you’re in the glories of heaven?  Don’t get me wrong.  Many came up to her when she was still living and expressed their gratitude.  Some said she was the best teacher they ever had.  Others commented on how well they did in high school English because she had prepared them.  Honestly, I can say that she was one of my best and favorite teachers.  That’s saying a lot since when she taught me I was in my middle-school-rebellious-my-parents-drive-me-crazy- age.

All these compliments made me wonder something.  Why don’t we let people know how much we care about them, how much we appreciate them or what an inspiration they’ve been to us before it’s too late?  Why don’t we take time for that?  Why is it that when they lie cold and lifeless, indifferent to every compliment or praise given, we choose to speak our gratitude?  Why do we wait?  Say it now.  Make that your mantra.  If someone’s helped you, or you enjoy their smile, or they’ve been your true friend in a dark hour tell them.  There is never a better opportunity to tell the truth than now.   Before they go to the grave people should be told what a friend, mentor, parent, colleague they were and how they influenced your life for the better.  I know when I receive a compliment, no matter how simple it is, it makes my day. 

Remember the Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”?   In the movie the main character gets a chance to see just how much his life has impacted others.  In his darkest hour, George contemplates throwing himself off a bridge.  He thinks there’s no hope for him.  Enter Clarence, the wingless angel, the one sent to watch over George and teach him a lesson.  Clarence, by giving George a chance to see what would happen to his family, friends, even town if he’d never been born, opens George’s eyes to just how much his life has impacted others.  Well, you’ve probably seen the ending and I don’t mean to give it away, but in the end George realizes that he’s done more good in his life than he ever realized.  And, in his direst need, he finds that friend, after friend, after friend rally around him showing just how much they love and care for him.

How about you?  Is there someone in your life who’s impacted you in a positive way?  Someone you would never have made it this far if they hadn’t been there for you.  Well, what are you waiting for?  Pick up your phone.  Write them a letter.  Even texting and emailing are better than nothing.  Say It Now.  Don’t wait for the end of their life to give them accolades.  Chances are that, with a simple thanks, you could be giving them just the boost they need – the boost to keep them going even in some of life’s darkest times.  Say it now.  Say it before it’s too late.