It's entirely possible - likely, even, given the fact that evidently you guys can't imagine having this response yourselves - that she's just an insensitive cow. But I know that I could totally have said something like that, if questioned, and if it were something I found painful.
This is sort of the standard mode in my family, as well. But we're not far removed from the British Isles. So.
I mean, I think it was at best hugely insensitive, and hurt is hurt no matter the intent, but it is something I could see someone saying out of their own sense of loss. But I also didn't read it as her saying that motherhood didn't take, I read it as saying she'd had a grandchild, but no longer did.
I do not think this reads as being dismissive of her own motherhood or of her daughter-in-law's motherhood. At all. That's kind of my point: that this (can be read as) the polar opposite of that sentiment.
eta
Or: what Plei said.
But it looks like we're going to talk in circles here, so I'm bowing out.
I have admitted to myself that I'm not going to get to the grocery store any time soon, so I ordered groceries online. I know the produce will be crap, but at least it's food.
I try to avoid all talk about children except in echoing the happiness of parents. I've never wanted children; I just don't have that visceral desire, and I know I don't "get it". I have such a tendency towards black humor (and saying what I'm thinking without realizing I haven't provided the necessary context), I sort-of live in fear of saying something that would come across as totally heartless.
t scrolls casually into thread.
Zombies on Smallville.
LANA'S PARENTS ARE UNDEAD??
I'm kinda with Fay, I admit, but definitely couldn't see saying that in front of the mom, gawd!!
Sadly, no, but they did manage to make reference to Superman=Jesus "...people can worship you like some kind of modern Jesus."
Black humor is often how I get through things too, and I have a deep appreciation for it, but I gotta say, context definitely has to come into play.
