So my dad died about 20 years ago.
I remember, about six months after he died, sitting at a bar and getting drunk. I was very emotional and said to the older guy next to me that I never got the chance to tell my dad I loved him.
The older guy asked me about my dad, and when I was finished he said to me, it’s a good thing you didn’t say anything to your dad because he would’ve hated it.
The guy was right. My dad was the type of guy who didn’t like things like that being said out loud. He was a very caring person, but he was private with his emotions. I think we need to respect that.
OP, I’m willing to bet that the relationship you have with your own kids is quite different?