Don’t Wait to Love Them: A Gentle Reflection on Loss, Regret, and God’s Timing

This morning, my youngest sister stepped into eternity. Even as I type those words, my heart wrestles with the sharp ache of absence and the bittersweet memories that now feel near and far.

In the quiet moments leading up to today, God gently nudged my heart to write her a letter filled with the love, gratitude, and memories that had built our lifelong bond. And I did write it. But I couldn’t bring myself to send it.

Not because I didn’t love her deeply, but because I feared what it might feel like for her to read words that quietly acknowledged what both of us knew- that time was growing short. In my hesitation, the letter remained unsent.

Now that she’s gone, I carry the weight of that unsent letter. The words she never read.

The comfort she never received. And yet, even in my regret, I hear God’s quiet voice reminding me that grace still holds both my heart and hers.

If I could share one thing from this experience, it would be this: Don’t wait. Don’t allow fear, discomfort, or timing to keep you from expressing your love to the people who matter most. We are not promised tomorrow. And though we often assume we’ll have more time, more opportunities to say what’s on our hearts, that window can close far sooner than we expect.

I want to share with you a small part of my letter to her:

“From the very beginning, we were a team. People thought we were twins, and honestly, I loved that. We leaned on each other through so much. You were my safe place, my laughter when things got hard, my strength when I didn’t think I had any left.

The bond we built in those early years is one I have always cherished and carried with me.”

These words now remain with me. I cannot place them in my sister’s hands or hear her voice in response. But I can let her passing become a living reminder to love boldly, intentionally, and without delay.

Maybe there’s someone in your life right now; someone you’ve meant to call, write, or visit. Let me gently encourage you: Don’t wait. Say it now. Send the message. Make the time.

God uses your words as His comfort.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

Wisdom reminds us that love is best expressed while there is still time.

Today, I’m learning this lesson more deeply than ever before. And I share it with you, not out of guilt but grace. May we all love well and live fully and never allow fear to silence what only love can say.

With love,

Melissa

If this message speaks to your heart, would you share it with someone who may need this gentle reminder today? You never know how your words of love might touch a heart at the right moment.