Trying A New Approach

Salinda got a phone call that made her cry. She asked for a ride to her where her best friend was shopping. I asked her what was wrong, she said nothing. I got into the van.

I decided to try something new. I simply said, in a very low voice, "It bothers me a little bit that you don't feel like you can talk to me about what is going on. I am not going to pressure you and I realize that it is my fault."

She said, "This isn't your fault."

I said, "No, what I meant to say is that I realize that the fact you don't feel like you can talk to me is probably my fault."

She was silent.

I said, "I am not sure you understand the reason that I want to know. I want to know because I care about you and it hurts me to see you sad. You have been doing very well this last week. I just hope that whatever it is you won't let it get you down."

She was silent. For a long time. Sniffling.

And then she told me.

And I made a couple comments about it, affirming what she had to say. I dropped her off and I told her I loved her.

one day at a time... one step at a time.