The story of "love ya"

A patient told me about this true story. It was saddening but also taught people not to take everything for granted.

One day her friend was doing some work in his room. His mom was doing something in the kitchen downstairs. A while later his mom called him from downstairs, "Hey, (his name) would you please come downstairs to help me with this?" Unfortunately this kid was occupied with his work. Getting frustrated and annoyed by his mother, he yelled back, "Shut up mom, I am busy." The mother didn't say anything back. Another while later, he heard some unusual noise from downstairs, breaking dishes. His mother collapsed and passed away.

It was terrible. This kid looked pretty tough all through the funeral and paperwork. Then he finally sat down and talked about his feelings. "The last thing i said to my mom was 'shut up mom, I am busy'. If there's one thing in my life I wish I haven't said..."

From that moment on, my patient ends every conversation with her parents or her love ones by "love ya". This way she could make sure, not only they know she loves them, but also if anything happens, it's not too late to tell them "i love you". Therefore, even after an argument before going to bed, she says "ok nite love ya".

I think it's a sweet sweet thing to do. Unfortunately, it does feel a little weird in our culture.

I love my parents, but I never tell them, probably in emails. If I tell them I love them, they would probably be freaked out and would think I am dying soon.
I love my sister, she will laugh at me and will have goosebumps.
I love my Godparents' son, aka Godbrother Justin but I bet he will be scared of me from that moment on if I tell him I love him.
I love my Godparents, but it will be weird to tell them, cos i don't do that to my parents. I will work harder on that one.
I love Asuka and Engela from vball team, but they probably think I am creepy.
I love my best friend Mikel, him I don't have a problem with. We do that, sometimes.

At least I said "Goodbye Mama" and hugged her the last time I saw her, before she passed away. I love you grandma.