We know that. We really do. We've been told: "Time flies."
"Before you know it you're old and gray."
"I used to be young once. Then I woke up old."
We're reminded over and over - babies who don't wake up from a nap, a car accident on a bright, summer day, an earthquake no one knew was coming.
Life is fleeting.
When asked what one would do when faced with the news that they only had a certain amount of time left, the majority of people answered, "I would tell the people I love just how much they mean to me."
This week's challenge sounds easy... but many of you will feel uncomfortable, awkward. You'll make an excuse, you'll be too busy now and promise to do it later. If that's the case, I really hope you actually do it later. Because life is way too short to keep compliments secret.
Take out a piece of paper... one for each person living in your home. Your wife, husband, child... and write their name on top. Then list TEN things you like, enjoy or admire about that person. Ten reasons why you really dig them as a person. Ten things you want them to know in case you don't get a chance to see them again. And when you're done, tape that list to the wall in the most visible place in your house. Take their hand and show them the paper, and read the words you've written.
My TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT YOU List to Matt
2.) I love your loud, brazen laughter when you're watching television all by yourself. Someone who laughs out loud unabashedly is downright tops in my book!
3.) I love the way you gag and choke and almost vomit every single time you change the baby's diaper... because you keep doing it. You don't use "ew, it's gross" as an excuse. You do what needs to get done and that's an awesome quality in a person. I know I can count on you.
4.) I love that you're always willing and excited to go with me to silly things like the theatre, or an office get-together, or to dinner with a couple you've never met before. You're a social person and you like people, and I like that. Because you would not be much fun to be around if you didn't like people.
5.) I love how you giggle and get goofy when you're extremely overtired. We've been exhausted for a while now and it's really refreshing that you manage to have fun with it. I admire your sense of humor when things get tough.
6.) I love how excited you are when you ref a game or play a pick-up game with your friends. You're physically active and have a passion for playing a sport - neither of which I do (at all). I respect that those activities are important to you and you won't let life get in the way of doing what you love. I am still so proud of you for organizing the Sunday Night Games.
7.) I love how you get out of bed fearless at three in the morning to find out what the dog is barking at. You are always ready to confront whatever is out there to protect me and our family and that means the world to me (even that time you came across strangers shining flashlights in our windows).
8.) I love how you tell me everything I cook is wonderful even though, clearly, it is not. You know how well positive reinforcement works on me... I'm still trying!
9.) I love how you worry more about the baby than I do. And that's saying a lot because everyone who knows me knows what a freak I am about child safety. You show me that you really take your child's health seriously. You are the strongest, loudest, most determined advocate for our son and I am so relieved I can lean on you for strength.
10.) I love your smile. Your easy going, life is so good, isn't this a great song on the radio even thought I don't know any of the words, smile. Just being around you, with you, near you - is always enjoyable and relaxing. Thank you.
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