I bumped into an acquaintance yesterday, a gentleman I had not seen is a few years. I asked about his family. He asked about my husband. We chatted about cars and the weather and the news – but we both felt the elephant in the room.
I noticed he chose his words carefully, even stopping mid-sentence and re-phrasing. He started to ask “How is the fam….. – How is your husband?”
I smiled and pretended not to notice. He was avoiding making any reference to my son. I know he knows of our loss – and I know he was trying to be considerate.
Why is it that way? Kind, caring people gingerly step around the elephant in the room. Is it because they don’t know what to say? Is it because they are afraid of upsetting me?
I am grateful for the dear friends and family in my life who invite me to talk and share about my son. I will always be his MOM and I will always miss him and I will always love him. I need to talk about him. When I walk and speak with my Heavenly Father, we chat about my dear son often – HE listens. I know HE does.
Does anyone else notice this elephant avoidance behavior?