No, I don't think it's inappropriate. Things like bad accidents can totally change your perspective on life - and it sounds like he's using his to change his life for the better. I am a firm believer in always letting those you love KNOW it because you never know what day is your last.

I have friends in Scotland I met through the internet. I've met them twice, once when I went over there to visit them, and then when they came over here in May to be here for my wedding. We rarely ever sign off our chats without saying "I love you!" So don't feel weird, unless he starts saying things like "I wish my wife were more like you" or "Would you ever be with an older man" or something spooky like that.