Father Son Relationships

Why does everyone wait until someone is on their deathbed to tell them they love them. Sure there's the fishin' and huntin' and sports playin' and sports watchin' and providin', but where is the real communication? That usually happens at the time of death, if at all, as a croaking, "I love you boy." What about all the opportunities you have to say and show genuine love and connection before the croaking part? It's hard to say stuff once you're dead.