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

[Daisy's Mommy]

One relative said to me - well now that you have a real baby, (we recently adopted), it shouldn't really matter so much, referring to the death of my beloved Yorkie.

At first, the statement made me feel angry and bad, but then I felt sorry for this relative. He has never had a pet, and is incapable of having that bond. In fact, he is incapable of any real bond with any living thing.

Some people can't understand. Perhaps something is missing from their souls. That is just how it is.

I had another relative, who always thought my relationship with my Yorkie was a "little much." She said things like "She's just a dog." Well, this relative got a dog through some strange turn of events. About a year later, she called me and told me that she now understood my relationship with Daisy. Her dog was the love of her life. So, perhaps people can change.

Daisy's Mommy