Someone at work asked me how I was today. It took my breath away momentarily. She apologised for asking but I thanked her - profusely! I explained that when someone takes the time and trouble to offer that little bit of care and consideration, it comes as a relief to me.
She said that people don't know what to say for fear of upsetting someone but she also realised how ridiculous it was to assume that a grief stricken mum wouldn't be thinking of their child already - that no one can put those thoughts into a grieving mum's head - they're there already so there's really no need to avoid them.
Our conversation was brief - less than 5 mins - but it felt so incredibly satisfying to have someone who tried to understand just what it's like for me. She didn't judge me - she just listened - and I walked away feeling a little lighter. What a difference just 5 minutes can make.
I was in my local bank last week recently, a week after my son's inquest result and all the details of how he died were in the newspaper. I've been a customer for years but would just rush in and out. The cashier who served me has also been there for years. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and asked if I was the same lady that she had read about in the paper. I said that I was and I felt her sorrow. She reached out to a virtual stranger with compassion and warmth.
ReplyDeleteAnother of those moments like yours.
Indeed Janine.
ReplyDeleteSo rare - yet so precious.