When A New Family Member Doesn't Understand, how do I deal with this? Options

[Kim R.]

I have always had the best support from all of my family, friends, and co-workers when it comes to grieving for Sasha....I've been pretty lucky in that department... until now. My sisiter-in-law (of just over a year) said something to me that was very hurtful. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met otherwise, so I know she didn't mean to hurt my feelings, but she did. Here is the situation...
I had just gotten off the phone with a friend of mine and I was crying because we had talked for a long time about the 2 year anniversary of Sasha's death. Then when my Sis-in-law called, she said 'what's the matter? are you okay?'. I told her why I was sad, and she just paused and said 'ooookaaaay' like I had lost my mind or something! I said 'you can think I'm crazy, I don't care. I don't expect you to understand since you have never had pets before. She said 'I don't think your crazy...just a little strange' and then giggled. I didn't think it was funny at all. She tried to be nice and say 'It doesn't matter why your sad, I'm just sorry you are sad and I wish I could do something to make it better.' I wanted to say 'for starters you can not call me strange!' but instead, I just said "I appreciate you not wanting me to be sad, but there isn't anything that anyone can do to make it go away. I know you don't understand, but if you can imagine your child dying and the hurt that would cause you not only now, but years down the road, then that is what I am feeling. She just changed the subject on me. I know she doesn't know what to say. I also know she has never experienced even having a pet, needless to say a bond with one like I had with Sasha, so how do I get beyond this? I don't want things to be 'strange' with us, but the thought of her thinking I am some kind of nut case is really bothering me. I have been trying for a couple of days to let it go, but I just can't. Can someone else share any experiences they have had in this department?
Thanks guys!
Kim

[SJ J & S]

Remember that she wasnt around when you are Sasha were an item, she has never witness the close bond that you had, and would probably be jealouse if she did.

Im afraid my own mother never understood how i felt about my girls and even said to me after theyd died 'perhaps now you can have a life'

em ecuse me they were my life? but she would never understand.

You have to just accept that experiencing the deep love that we have all experiance isnt one of her lifes lessons, and looks to me like it may be few more lifetimes till it is

dont take it personaly we are all meant to be different and learn from one another, she is probably wondering what she is missing out on.

Love Sue