The Pause #6: 🍫 Say It Now
Dear Chocolover,
Last week would have been my father's birthday.
When I think of him, I see someone who always guided and protected me while deeply respecting my decisions.
When I was about to open Románicos, he approached me and asked whether I truly understood all the hardships involved in taking on such a big project. I could hear the concern in his voice. It wasn't that he doubted me, he was worried about my well-being.
Twelve years later, during a pivotal moment when a large client nearly put us out of business, he was the one who encouraged me to continue. He reminded me that I had built something of great value and that it was worth fighting for.
That was his wisdom: he knew when to warn me and when to remind me of my own strength.
I am fortunate to still have people close to me who love me the same way; enough to voice their concerns about my decisions, and enough to comfort me on the days when I am not at my best.
I used to call him often just to thank him for convincing me to study Design instead of Psychology. He believed I needed to use my God-given gifts, even before I fully understood what those gifts could become.
My father passed away unexpectedly nine years ago, at sixty-eight. I miss him deeply, and I still have many conversations with him in my heart. But even within that loss, I have always felt at peace because, between us, everything important had been said. I told him often how much I loved him, how grateful I was for his wisdom, and how much I appreciated having him as my father.
Losing my father so young taught me that life is fragile. In the end, what remains with us are those moments when we loved and felt loved.
That is why I tell the people who are important to me how much they mean to me. I don't want to assume there will always be another opportunity, because now is the only moment we know for certain that we have.
When was the last time you said it? I love you. I'm grateful for you.
You changed something in me.
Life is short.
Say it now.
With love,
Alejandra