What sad feels like

Sad.
Barb's father has died.
It was not unexpected.
I didn't know him except through her.
And still, it felt like a punch in the gut.

My first reaction was to stuff something soft and gooey in my mouth.
I didn't.
But it was a dramatic example which taught me something about my reaction to stress and sadness.

So thank you to Barb's dad. You taught me something about myself, even in passing. I know that you were a wonderful man who will be sorely missed.