Gratitude in three words
The power of love and the joy of expressing it
“I love you.”
Three simple words that carry so much meaning.
I don’t remember growing up with many, if any, “love you’s” being exchanged. It was a different time, and saying the L word wasn’t the norm.
But somewhere along the way, over the last 30 or 40 years, those words became more natural to me.
As life went on, and I gained more life experience, I began to understand just how fleeting human connections can be. I came to realize that having people in your life who love you is a precious gift—one that can be lost too quickly.
Some people may be uncomfortable with verbal expressions of love, and others may not reciprocate the sentiments, but that’s okay. I say it when I’m moved to say it, and by saying it I take one step closer to being a person who lives with an open, vulnerable heart.
As a result, I now say it more often—not so much that it loses its meaning, and never carelessly, but to express my deep gratitude for the special people in my life.
So, thank you, to all my friends and family that I love and who love me. You make the good moments brighter, the tough times easier, and help me become the person I’m meant to be.
Love you all.
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.