@nrocpop
Oh, you darling person, how your response touched me today! You have been through SO much, and I imagine needed someone to listen in order to retain your sanity!!!! And, We ALL are THAT person sometimes! Let me tell you, your transparency today is balm to my isolated soul! Like me, you probably listen and listen to others at different times of life. But then, sometimes, all the “stuff” comes tumbling out when someone pauses to listen to you—even if you never intended to go there! I am caregiver to my 94 year old father, who has been and is currently going through multiple serious health challenges. I won’t go on and on here, but the struggle for us all is REAL. We were finally home yesterday and he was served hot food by three (he did have breakfast before all the imaging, IV treatment, etc etc happened)—but I had yet to eat, as I needed to clean up a situation in his room and start his laundry, etc. When he wanted me to stop and review his phone messages (he cannot see well), I didn’t lose it but I told him I would have to get to it later (and probably my facial expression mirrored my annoyance—no poker face here). I never do that—it would have only taken a couple of minutes! But I was annoyed after he had been complaining about his lack of freedom (I had asked him to wash his hands with soap and water after the “situation”), and I didn’t say anything to him (like, “You aren’t the only one whose freedom is lacking!”). BUT I did complain to a friend I called —who has a surgery this Friday, and who already had a double mastectomy last month, when she asked about our situation here! I did eventually set it aside to talk about HER, which was the whole purpose of my call. But good golly! I can’t believe I spent ANY time talking about my annoyance, when she is facing all she has on her plate!

I woke up this morning berating myself for being annoyed in the first place, and for speaking it out to her like I did. I do regret it. But you know what? We are only human. I’m not going to have perfect performance always. Realizing we want to do better is good, I think. And we need to give each other, and ourselves, grace in all this. You did that for me this morning. Thank you!

@nrocpop You make a very good point. At least you are aware of your behavior and want to work on improving but some just don't care. I commend you for being willing to take a different approach.

@nrocpop Me, too! I really try to listen more, but I always think that misery likes company, so I blurt out something I’m going through so the other person won’t feel alone. I mean well, but most people don’t need to listen to me. They need to listen to what they are saying. I am there, so they talk to me. I just have to remember to let them talk.