> I do agree that it is a lovely gift and not always easy offering to give your partner or friend the space to let out your sorrow. It is indeed. I am very blessed in this respect. It's interesting how people treat you when you're going through a life-devastating experience. You get to have a sense for the people who will understand and accept your grief and the people who just can't deal with it or hear about it. The latter group can include family & close friends and you come to understand that it isn't that they care any less for you. They just aren't equipped to handle it. But the people who will let you express your sorrow and will listen patiently are a real treasure and you never forget what they've done for you. One of those who did this for me is now going through a rough time and I'm hoping that I can be as good a friend to this person as they were to me. It's an invaluable gift, really, to have someone who will allow and accept your sorrow when you need to let it out. Mark in Seattle
