For those who may not know, after years of doing my PTSD therapy, I became a hospital trauma ER chaplain from 2002-2010.  My physical health failed me then, so since then I've taught death and dying classes for nursing students at a community college.

Usually I'm able to present my tough material in a way that my students can handle fairly well.  But today a student had to get up and leave class.  It was understandable, because we discussed child loss, a tough topic for us all.  She emailed me right away, saying:

"I wanted to apologize for leaving class early. Some of our discussions remind me of events in my life I would rather not discuss. It is best for me to leave in that situation to clear my mind. I hope you understand and wanted to clarify I was not jusy being rude. Thank you"

I wasn't having an easy day myself and was in a foul, gruff mood, so I surprised myself by writing this back to her:  "I appreciate how you are being kind to me when you yourself are in pain.  We can work together to preview future class topics to screen them for what may upset you, if you like.  

What we talk about hits home sometimes for all of us, including me as well, so feel free to ask me for that kind of consideration when you need it.  I don’t even have to know your details, either, because since you wrote me this I can certainly trust your judgment."

I had a busy, rough day and had to go on about my business, so I didn't reflect on it all until I got home.  Then I was really grateful that somehow I'd had the presence of mind to respond that way.  Upon reflection, I realized since I myself was under pressure, it came from being prepared for that moment beforehand here at DS PTSD.  The way that we give and receive support here every day made it happen.  

I wanted to share that moments like that can really go wrong, when a student is triggered, and then when I could be triggered.  But coming here and learning how we deal with our triggers made that moment go right.  This place does make a difference in real life.