Slinkyfest2005

Obviously. You don't just wind up with an ambulatory Ursus lotor Linnaeus translating for you by accident.

I imagine many people consider it a frivolous concern, like depression or substance abuse.

Terrifying in a sense. As an owner of a black thumb the thought of killing the last worldly representative of my loved one alarms me, even as I enjoy the the concept.

I'll try to keep this perspective in mind next time I talk to someone. It makes sense, and could mean a lot to that individual. I just hope it doesn't backfire, but if so at least I will have a story to tell.

Thank you for your response!

I work in an industry that deals with many grieving people over the phone.

How would you recommend receiving the news of a spouse or relatives death dropped casually in conversation with little fanfare?

I have always imagined it was simply a matter of time for the shock and loss to catch up to this person, so dead pan are they, but I find it disconcerting none the less.

What I mean is, what would you say to someone who told you their relative had recently died without any emphasis, like commenting on the weather?