Tonight I found myself hugging/holding a guy while he cried inconsolably. I reveal this on a public blog with no disrespect to his privacy; he and I are acquaintances so by altering his name there is no risk of publicly identifying him.
"Mohammed" has never seen the movie Ordinary People but he is living it: Older, beloved brother died in a bad accident. One parent letting it be known they wished it had been him instead. The other parent caring but distant. I guess I landed the counselor role in this real life movie.
What struck me as he was talking - and he had a lot to talk about - was that what he needed most was someone to listen.
I left the night feeling oddly good because I know he felt better just to get a lot off his chest. I also felt incredibly grateful that I have many really valuable friends I know I can turn to when life hands me lemons.
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