[friedegg]

I found out my mom died while I was at work, age 37, after a short illness (I was going to see her the next week), and although I generally kept it together that day, at one point, while talking to one of my staff on the phone, I just completely lost it. I think I cried in a way I hadn't ever before (maybe I've had a fortunate life). What was oddest to me was that I couldn't control it at all, but I was still able to think and even had a conversation with them over Slack while this was happening.

[tartoran]

I'm sorry for your loss. I still remember when my dad died too, I was about 21 at the time and got a phone call that my dad was taken by an ambulance. I was at work and jumped into a cab, I arrived at the ER and they would not let me see him directly, told me they need to talk to me and my family in a separate room. They tried to cushion it but broke it to us eventually. That uncontrollable sobbing in front of the hospital, some strangers were hugging and trying to console me, feels like a natural response to personal tragedy. I am in my 40s and rarely cry but if I could I'd do, it's such a cathartic feeling.