Slip of the Tongue

Have you ever said something that made some else cry? Something that you didn't mean? Something that just popped out and you don't know WHY you said it? That never happens to me. Good or bad, I only say (and write) things I mean. Except once. In my defense, I didn't even hear myself say it.

You've heard of work spouses? I had one once--that break-up was terrible. But this isn't about him {jk, it was a she ;P }. This is about my work mother...or maybe my work grandmother. She was much older and sort of adopted me in the office. She used to feed me, nag me to wear my gloves, motherly sorts of things. We had lunch together a few times a month. I liked her, we were friends at work.

Anyway, one Saturday I found myself in the office. If I'd stopped to think about it, I would have realized I hadn't had a day off in 5 weeks. I was tired, but focused. When the phone rang I became unfocused. As the person on the other end started to speak, I started nodding off. I was startled awake by the sound of a sniffle and crying. Next thing I knew I heard my "work mother" saying, "I love you too" followed by more crying. My brain was shouting "no, no no!" I wanted to explain I'd nodded off and didn't mean whatever it was I'd said. But I had to keep my mouth shut. She was so happy about it (not sure why), I couldn't take that away from her. I really dislike miscommunications, but I had to let that one go.

I'm almost positive that's the only time I've ever said anything that made someone cry happy tears. Maybe I should talk in my sleep more often. =)


PS - She called the office that day to see if I was working, so she could nag me to go home.
PSS - Her favorite joke was Engrish: What's the perfect name for a European woman with one leg shorter than the other? Eileen. What's the perfect name for an Asian woman with one leg shorter than the other? Irene.