Try to leave no words left unsaid

It has been almost a year since I wrote a personal column for the newspaper. Although my pen has been silent, there has been ample time and room for thinking.
If I had to sum up the last few months in just one word it would be “loss.” Horrific school shootings, a subway stabbing, an assassination, hurricane devastation, and the shocking passing of loved ones.
The latter hit me like a ton of bricks two weeks ago when I received the news about my uncle’s passing. I woke up to a missed call from my cousin. I can count on both hands the number of phone calls we’ve had throughout my life. That missed call was odd. My first thought was it had to be a butt dial or accidental call from one of her young kids.
Now, for the life of me, I wish it was a misdial. When death calls, it is not a wrong number or a call that can be taken back. My uncle will be greatly missed.
The last few weeks have been full of reflection; past memories coming back to life. At the heart of every conversation that has taken place is one key word: Family. Through thick or thin, family ties are an unbreakable bond. Whether that is the family you were born into, married into, or your chosen family it is an incredible bond that we often take for granted.
Unfortunately, we never know when our last moments with someone may be. Although my family (especially my extended family) isn’t one for showing much affection, it has always been important to me to end every conversation with “I love you.” Those words are difficult to spit out at times and admittedly my tone of voice doesn’t always match my words, but overlooking momentary disputes, I love my family and I want to rest easy knowing with confidence that the last words I’ve said will always be “I love you.”
Many of us leave those three little words unsaid more often than not, letting fleeting emotions get in the way of what really matters.
Last week all three cousins pointed out that they had no recent pictures with my uncle. In an emotional moment reflecting on the thought of our cousins having no photos to look back at, my youngest sister and I gave my dad a quick group hug. During that brief embrace, out of the corner of my eye I saw my mom, phone in hand, capturing that very moment. We all chuckled.
My mom has always been a photo taker. We make fun of her for it. In fact, she takes SOOOO many photos that she routinely must delete old photos just to clear up enough space to take new ones. I am glad I have such a wonderful memory capturer in my life. I need to work on capturing more moments of her and myself as well.
God made some who are best known for making the moments happen, while He made others to capture those moments as they happen. I am blessed to have both sides of this equation represented in my family. I will never be able to express how much I love and appreciate every single person in my life. For those who know me and haven’t heard me say it recently, I love you.
I encourage you to hug your loved ones now and say those three words often, because when your life shatters into a million pieces (and I know someday it will), I promise you will not regret a single hug you gave or an “I love you” you’ve said. Don’t waste another moment.
BEKAH MEAD can be reached at advertising@hamilton.net