From a young age I debated
becoming a bereavement counselor. Attending funerals in my teens I helped
console mourners four times my age. At nineteen years old I held the hand of a
widow in her early twenties.
That one was tough. She
learned of her pregnancy the same day her husband took his life. I will never
forget Herb, an amazing person.
Dealing with other types of
distress is another story. Recently a friend grew so distraught over something
out of her control that I finally told the poor dear to just breathe. The whole group looked at me as
if I’d said, “I’m sorry your puppy died. But he tasted delicious.”
Maybe I should stick with my
fictional people. What do you think?
Hehe! I think you are probably right!
ReplyDeleteCan I hang with you, Keith? As a fellow committed writer I think you would *get* me. ~grin~ I'll buy you a pint.
DeleteI often use 'Breathe' as a way of getting someone who is distraught to focus. Not sure why that would be considered inappropriate, but I'd love to learn if it is so.
ReplyDeleteI didn't mention that this was over a web cam call, Corinne, and wonder if that made a difference. ~sigh~ The way the camera focus works on our computer screens, I sort of had to interrupt to get her attention.
DeleteI don't know that that's bad advice. Sometimes helping someone going through issues means angering them. But, clearly you chose another path.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. ~grin~ I imagine their reactions seemed worse to me than they were.
DeleteI think telling someone to breathe is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks! ~hugs~ I guess the venue was wrong.
DeleteWell, just breathe has its own set of issues. I have asthma and COPD. Breathing is not always easy. And "Relax" is not good. It is the last thing you want someone to say when you are upset. I have had miscarriages; people say the most horrible things then. There are all kinds of pain. Sometimes, all you can do is give them a hug and tell them it is okay to be upset; they have reason. This, too, shall pass. Hugs are always welcome.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your health issues and terrible tragedies, my dear. ~hugs~ I wish it could be for real for you and my friend. She's across the US from me; we were on a conference call. ~sigh~ Be well.
DeleteJust BREATHE is a good. I usually say relax and stay calm. Funny the things we think to say at certain times in our life.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Thanks, my dear!
DeleteIt's so hard to know what to say, how people might take it. Maybe the intent behind the words is better read, in the end, so a big heart will shine through.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the thoughtful kindness, my dear! It means a lot coming from one so big heated. Be well!
ReplyDelete