The good part about the yearly conference is that I get to see people that I haven't seen in a year. The bad part is that I get to see people that I haven't seen in a year. Several of them came up to ask how Mary was doing because last year she had just finished up with her radiation but had some additional tests because of the PET scan of her ribs.
One woman said, "How long have you been divorced? I can see the mark from your wedding ring so it must have been recent." She was trying to be joking/flirty but felt awful when I told her that Mary died on March 5th of this year.
If I talk about Mary some people look uncomfortable, if I don't I feel like I'm avoiding 24 years of my life...So I stumble along and hope that I am gentle and kind when I tell them that because that's what I really need too.
Posted by bbarton at October 15, 2006 01:23 AMChristine - Thanks for stopping by. You make an excellent point. :)
Posted by: Bob on October 15, 2006 10:09 PMIt is such a weird place to be in. I think poeple just do not know hwat to say.....which is why they look uncomfortable, but Do not ignore that time in your life. It was beautiful and wonderful. You do what is most comfortable for yourself!!!
Posted by: Katy on October 16, 2006 10:29 AMKaty - Weird for sure! Thanks for your understanding and nice remarks. :)
Posted by: Bob on October 16, 2006 11:23 AMHaha, I do have paypal... my roommate wrote that though, so you don't have to give any money.
Although I certainly wouldn't say no.
Have you ever seen American Psycho? I just saw it last night and it's absolutely fabulous.
Posted by: Amanda Mae on October 16, 2006 11:35 AM:) That's all. Just a smile for you.
Posted by: heather anne on October 16, 2006 03:01 PMHeather Anne - Thanks for the smile darlin'!
Posted by: Bob on October 16, 2006 06:44 PM
I feel for you in these awkward situations. The feeling of stumbling along must get tiresome. I would offer that maybe it's not really your job to take care of people as you tell your story. Maybe you shouldn't take that on and just speak your truth about your life. In that way, you're really taking care of you and honoring your wife at the same time. Hope you have a good week -
Posted by: Christine on October 15, 2006 09:35 PM