Say I love you.

My dad and I don't have much of a relationship.  In fact, over the last three to four years I can almost count the number of words we've spoken.  There's no venom, no outward malice.  Just no deep connection or even the ability to talk on a basic, shallow level.  We sink into silence.  Uncomfortable.

There are so many things that led to this.  I'm sure there's a pretty even split to the 'blame'.  But that really isn't the issue today.  Today I'm just trying to figure out how to NOT be like this with the people I love.

I love my red-headed son.  He's such a huge part of my life and I hope that he realizes how much I love him. I don't go a day without thinking of him or speaking about him.  And I NEVER leave a conversation with him without letting him know how important he is to me and how much I truly love him - no matter what his grades are, his behavior, etc.

I want him to know that he's loved.  I never want him to doubt that his dad loves him.

And the same goes for my little girl.  Though she's not little any more, and she's trying to grow up way too fast, I want her to know that the love I have for her doesn't change, isn't earned, isn't something that she has to strive for.

They're the two people that mean the most in my life.  And I always tell them "I love you".

If you're important to me, you'll probably hear me say those words a little more.  If it makes you uncomfortable, get over it.  I want you to know that you're important.  That I value you and that I care.  Maybe it will catch on and more of us will open up and share our hearts with each other.  But I don't need that.

I just want you to know "I love you".

Chad