((Tulips)) sorry to hear things went like that for you. Hope your feeling better.

I had a student in my office a few months ago who had lost her mother a few months before. The stress of school was starting to pile up and she just needed to vent. Now mind you, I am not the faculty member most students come to when they are feeling down and needing support. I'm more of the one who give the kick in the @$$ when they need it. I'm a bit out of my element in this situation-but holding my own. So she is in my office talking and I am listening and paraphrasing intermittently. The all of the sudden I said something back to her, and the flood comes. I have never seen so much grief in my life. Honestly, at one point I'm thinking..I'm going to need the wet vac. Her emotions were so intense that I could even feel them somewhat..I know it sounds stupid, but it was a very profound experience for me to see that intensity. I think I did a good job of hiding my shock, I stayed there with her and just waited it out. I think in the end she felt a lot better and she left looking drained but better somehow. My only regret in thinking about that experience is that at one point I just wanted to reach out and hug her, but didn't. It was just a barrier that I wouldn't cross. I think I did touch her shoulder at one point.. but I probably should have given the hug when the impulse occurred.