Her Story

Last night, Evan and I were at a SS class fellowship and in the course of the conversation with a relatively new member of our class, I had to say that my mom died about 6 months ago. I'm pretty sure that's not the first time that I've said "my mom died" but honestly, most of the time when it comes up in conversation, the other person usually says, "I'm so sorry" and moves on.



On one hand, I'm really fine with that. I've learned that we are a generation of people that isn't REALLY very interested in what is going on in the lives of others. We are sad for people, but to really care and listen to their hurts and heartaches is something of which we aren't very good. I think part of it is when you haven't experienced it for yourself, you just don't know what to say. Myself included. I look back now at friends that I've known to experience tragedy in their lives and often wonder, What did I say to them? Did I listen to them? Did they see care and concern or did I just blow it off?



Last night, this person didn't blow off the subject, she asked me if my mom's death was expected or sudden and I was able to explain it was a little of both by telling a shorter version of her story. I think it hit me in the middle of telling, that I hadn't really told mom's story in months, and I'm standing here telling it to someone I don't know very well, who is seemingly genuinely interested. I got really choked up.


It felt good to tell her story. It was nice just to have someone who was kind enough to listen to me babble on, remember my mom, and share my experience of losing her. To top it all off, this person didn't even stop at the how did you lose her but when on to ask how things were now, what the first holiday was like, how my dad was dealing with it, etc. I think it helps with the whole healing process.