The Value of Saying "I Love You" Often!

Family and friends should be told this often. Recently, I lost my friend Oliver. It was sudden. The last time I saw Oliver was June 2nd. We started our weekend morning breakfast ritual meetings again. We had a rift and did not speak to each other for a year. We got in touch with each other in May and things were almost back to normal. We had planned to meet two weeks later but it was to never happen.

Oliver and I had a friendship that was close and unique. From the moment we met in 2004, we knew we had something special. Twin souls together again. There were times we would just sit with each other and not say a word. This made us happy. We thought alike and were very much alike. We were not the type people who craved attention and constant contact from the outside world. We are both very private people and often times we would not let many people get too close. That's who we were and why our relationship worked - we trusted and loved each other...only.

Every girlfriend he had always got the same speech about me and if they couldn't handle it, they were gone. I thought it was hilarious but it was a sign of respect for her and deep love for me. Our families knew about each other but we were never able to get everyone together. My stepmother Mary told me before she died last year..."call Oliver." I finally heard her words a year later and it wasn't too late. Thank you for that Mary.

I am so happy the last time we spoke I hugged him and told him "I love you." He, and many folks have a hard time saying those three words - so they will say "love you." That isn't the same thing to me. When you add "I" then I know you mean it. Oliver, as usual said - "I know."

Say "I love you" to those you truly love often. Whether they say it back or not, just say it and know they know your feelings.

And Oliver, now that you're on the other side looking down, can you please find my mate?! I love you Oliver Bernshausen!