Funny how regret is like that. We make up all kinds of excuses and justifications for or neglect and/or cowardice until it is too late. I learned this lesson many years ago. Someone I loved deeply died before I could say so many things I wanted to. Well, it was more like I didn't realize I had left so many things unsaid until it was too late. So, now, I don't hesitate to tell anyone anything. If I think it, I say it. If I am proud of my son, I tell him. If I am angry at my husband, I explain my feelings and we work things out right away. If I am thinking, "I love you and appreciate you so much.", I say it right at that very moment. I will still probably have regrets, but it will be fewer now. Tomorrow is an unknown. You have to make today count.
And only after his death did his Father realise how much he actually loved him and is probably now full of extreme regret for being so rutheless towards him. it always happens. People only genuinely care when you're dead and gone. no matter how much they say they hated you, abused you or wanted you dead. once youre gone, its too late and only then they realise their stupidity.