Understood

Exactly three years ago, I stayed behind at work to meet with my boss. The sudden meeting surprised her, and frankly, it surprised me too. It felt right though, so I plainly told her: I’ve decided that it’s time for me to go. Surprised at the timing of the meeting but not one bit by the message, she told me she was happy for me, although she’ll miss me incredibly.

A few months earlier, as I was sitting in a pool of blood from my miscarriage, I e-mailed her to say that I won’t be coming in today. From there on, she witnessed my heart break from the loss, and then my futile endurance as I returned to work with my heart missing. My last day came two months later. As I gathered my things, she came to say goodbye and left me a note to thank me for my thoughtfulness and impeccable style.

Three years later, I’ve forgotten about the work and the spreadsheets. But I remember her and how she made me feel.

I felt understood.