sorry I'm not on FB. As it is, everyone else in the family is, and I'm sure they're sharing stuff about me I don't necessarily want to share.
We come by it honestly--Dad still mentions the time when I was just starting junior high and his workplace paid for us all to go down to Atlanta for some work training for Dad. Poor guy got food poisoning on the flight (this was back when you actually got a meal, no charge, if the flight was anywhere near a mealtime), and only a few days after we arrived, people in at least three states knew about it courtesy of Ma Bell. In great detail, much to Dad's mortification.
In the instance you described, the woman must have really needed to unload and glad you were there to listen, even though it was uncomfortable. I can imagine you trying to find the right moment to exit but you are very kind and patient person.
<blushes> Thank you--that's very sweet of you to say! By the end there, I didn't FEEL very kind and patient.
I had someone reveal their despair about the holidays today because it enhanced the sadness they felt about losing several loved ones. It came bubbling out and she was near tears but the conversation seemed to help both of us and the other person there. Gave some perspective and a reminder that people are going through lots of emotional upheaval as we pass them going about our own business.
I really feel for those who've lost loved ones around the holidays (and have been especially sad for the families of the Sandy Hook shootings). YOU were very kind to listen. On a less heavy note, I was in Walmart one day this weekend, and a woman was standing in the one aisle of the holiday section, looking totally overwhelmed, and when I passed by, without any prompting (not even eye contact), she asked me if it could just all be over already. She did smile slightly when she said it.
Backing up to the part of your post where your sis wore your present before sending it in July, it made me pause, LOL.
SO my sister. She's generous to a fault but not above borrowing a gift first <g>. I can't really blame her--it was a nice shirt! I loved it to death and wore it for years.
Vicky
