Karen,

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle.

cherish every minute you have with those you love.

Go, right now, and tell them you love them. Even if you *think* they know. Say it again.
You're absolutely right. Everytime I talk to a member of my family, I ALWAYS tell them I love them before I hang up. I never had the chance to say good-bye to my Mom or Dad before they died and I regret it.