Tell 'em.

I Love You.

It's so easy to share with a baby how you feel about them. 
They don't judge. 
They don't get uncomfortable when you tell them you love them 12 times in a row.  
You don't have to wonder if they feel the same way. 
You don't care.

You just tell 'em.  You would shout it from the roof-top....heck, you'd shout it from the top of the biggest mountain you could find. 
You'd tell everyone in the world how much you love this little one.

The world is funny that way. 
People get uncomfortable telling others how they feel. 
Sharing their feelings.  "Spilling their guts" without any reservations.  Professing their love, or even their intense gratitude, for another, without concern they may not hear it back is not so comfy.

I have work to do in this department too.
I do know, though, that we all could open our hearts up a little more.  Share a little more.  Be ok with making another feel a little uncomfortable, when your intent is to share a little of your heart.

Last week, when Dan and I were at Mayo meeting with Dan's Neurosurgeon, I wanted to share my heart with him.  He isn't exactly Mr. Touchy-feely.  In fact, many people told us not to expect eye contact, much less a smile. 
He was described as "arrogant, egotistical and no-bedside-manner". 
His reputation may have been accurate......but, I still felt love for this man.  We weren't looking a friend...we were looking for the most skilled neurosurgeon that we could find in this big world. 
He lived up to this reputation as well.

I decided to write a him a letter. 

I told him he may not remember every patient he meets.

I told him he may not remember us.

I also told him we will always remember him.

We met him the day before we welcomed our first daughter to this world. 

We met him when we were nervous, uncertain and overwhelmed.

We met him when we wondered what the future would hold.

He made an impact to Dan's life....to our life.

I wanted him to know how I felt from my heart.  He may have been uncomfortable by the letter....after all, I'm not exactly a brief writer and I couldn't just state, "Thank you--nice job".  I had to bring my whole heart to my message. 

I'm grateful I did.

Babies are ready to receive.
Be ready to receive.  Ready to give. 
Ready to live without a regret that you didn't share.

Be willing to be a little uncomfortable.
You'll be grateful that you did.