Posted by Racer on November 16, 2006, at 14:36:16
In reply to Re: she called, posted by bent on November 12, 2006, at 15:25:39
>... she left a message saying she knew how much this pet meant to me, that she 'feels for me' and I have 'her sympathy.'
I'm not at all surprised by her compassion. More people understand than you might think.
Back in college, in the week before finals one term, my beloved Siamese died suddenly. I was devastated, as you can no doubt imagine.
I called all my professors to ask for an extension on some things due that week, telling them only that a family member had died. If they pressed, I only said a "close family member." One of them, though, wouldn't accept that. I had to tell her that it was my cat who had died. (Yes, I burst into sobs when I said this.) She immediately switched from slightly sceptical to entirely supportive and sympathetic, telling me she understood how traumatic that would be, and that I could have all the time I needed to finish my paper (as long as it was in by end of term), and generally working her way into my eternal pantheon of Favorite Teachers. People do, honestly, often understand and empathize much more than you might expect.
Certainly the response you've gotten here should tell you something, right? ;-)
I hope your grief flows smoothly, and you work through it without unnecessary pain. I won't wish you to feel better yet, though, because I think it's healthier to have your grief, so you can move on. In your own time, and in peace.
poster:Racer
thread:702526
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20061109/msgs/704301.html