In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

“I just called to say I love you.” Sing it along with me. I love this Stevie Wonder song. 

Maybe it strikes a chord with me because I grew up in a family where we didn't say I Love You very often, and the thought of just calling to say I Love You seemed really foreign to me.

It’s not that we don’t love each other in our family. I always felt loved and supported. We just didn’t say the words. My culture is Japanese and New Englander. We just don’t say the words. We do show love with our actions. We’re working on getting better with our words.

Two years ago, one of my aunts was in hospice care, and the close relatives were gathering around. At the end of a call about how she was doing, everyone was signing off with “I love you.” Everyone responded except my very loving and lovable Dad. The family joked about it. He still didn’t say it.

As my Dad and I walked out of the hospital together, I kidded that we’d all better learn to say I Love You or else my brother and I would spend hours of time in therapy time processing it. Then I remembered and shared with a wry smile, "Oh, never mind, I’ve already talked about that in therapy!” Dad replied, "I love you.” To which I replied, “Darn it, there are no witnesses! No one will ever believe me!” We’re both still working on it.

Telling people how we feel about them matters. We never know what life will bring each day to the next. I want my family and friends to know how much I love them. I don’t want to regret not having said the words. I am practicing to say I Love You whenever I sign off from a conversation with family and friends.

Who will you call today, right now, to say I Love You? If calling is not your jam, send a cute heart emoji.

Love requires participation. Love requires sharing. Love requires action. Love requires commitment. What you share is amplified and inspires others.

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(yes, love actually is my middle name)

I love you, Dad!

I love you too, Joyce! So there – I said it. (I gave Dad editing rights before I published)