That is a good story, no house is free of never having a death in the family. I know that and when I am really missing my husband I try and think "it is the way of life."
Still I wait each day for my journey missing Ray to be better and time to pass so I smile when I think of him not cry.
Stories like that help bring me back to reality..

I believe that I'm more sensitive to the loss of others since grieving my personal loss. Sharing here helps me to have a clearer perspective. Sharon

Sharon, I have to agree - having your own losses really helps you deal with the losses of others - you know better what to say, or more importantly, what not to say.
MJ - thank you for the reminder of the parable. I too, have poor me days, and find that remembering I am not the only person suffering puts things into perspective.

Yup, I was having one of those poor me pity parties a couple of days ago checking into Admittance at the Hospital. They didn't have a proper wheelchair to elevate my broke leg. Waiting in admissions for over an hour in serious pain, lamenting my poor pathetic self . . until I started talking to the older gentleman waiting next to me. His story was worse than mine . . waiting to have both feet amputated due to diabetic injury. My heart went out to he and his wife. How dare I be such a wussy with my poor me's and impatience to get a quick fix on my leg! Listening to others' certainly puts our personal life in perspective pretty quickly! As for what to say to him . . . the only thing I could "I'm so sorry and I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery so you can get back to fishing! Oh yes, he was worried about not being able to fish again, I assured him the day would come, he would survive this and learn how to manage." Pulled that out of my ass, but I truly believe that with a positive mental attitude we can overcome just about anything! Hugs to all, D