I know I’m not alone. I know many people have different feelings about their parents

Dear Shivah Visitor,

I don’t know how to tell you. But I wish you understood what I’m going through

I see you when you walk in and I cringe. You know me because I taught your child or daven next to you in shul, maybe we carpool to ballet….

I’m close enough to you to know the names of most of your kids, but we’re not close enough that I’d invite you for a Shabbos meal.

I know you’re the “touchy-feely” type.

You sit.

Heavily.

You sigh.

You look at me with those puppy dog eyes.

“Wow,” you ponder aloud. “I didn’t know your mom, but she must have been an incredible person to raise a daughter like you.”

Gushing and predictable.