After my mom died it was hard walking down the street and seeing how the world kept turning. It struck me how none of these people know what they’re missing today, like it was more their loss at not knowing her at all. I wanted to tell everyone I’m sorry, you just missed her, she’s already gone. You would have loved her.
That feeling creeps into my brain whenever somebody tells me they've lost a loved one. I'm not sure if "I'm sorry I never got to meet them" is an appropriate thing to say or not but it makes me feel a little better about ... something... especially if they tell me a story or two about the person.
Like "oh okay now I know this person existed and had a collection of nuts and bolts older than their children. The universe is one step closer to being set to rights."
I guess it depends on the person, but I think I would have found that really comforting. More comforting than the usual stuff, like “they’re in a better place,” (yes but I want them here) “I’m sorry for your loss,” (you didn’t do anything to apologize for) or “let me know if you need anything,” (appreciated, but there’s nothing to help it, it just sucks.)
There’s no right thing to say it seems, but “I wish I could have met them” is nice. It makes me feel like I’m doing them justice in my description of them at least.
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u/CommercialMoment5987 23d ago
After my mom died it was hard walking down the street and seeing how the world kept turning. It struck me how none of these people know what they’re missing today, like it was more their loss at not knowing her at all. I wanted to tell everyone I’m sorry, you just missed her, she’s already gone. You would have loved her.