i have this coworker. Tuesday she gets a call saying her brother is really sick and is at the ER. He has a bad cough and its pretty bad.

I feel bad for her... but then I hear her on the phone calling everyone she knows to update them and then she starts crying.

Call me cold hearted but I feel disgusted. I hate feeling this way bc I should support her, but i dont say anything. I actually begin to ignore her.

I know right away why. I have been in the hospital more times than I can count in my lifetime. Between my mom, and my grandparents, I have been through a lot of medical issues. In fact, the last time I was there with my grandpa, a nurse overheard me talking and asked me how i knew so much about medicine (I was explaining to my grandma what a certain medication did and why they were giving it to my grandpa...of course no one explains this to him themselves so i have to step in). I told her that I was used to this and around hospitals a lot. She told me i knew a lot and that i should become a doctor or physicians assistant.

This didnt make me feel good. I shouldnt know any of this! But i do.

So back to my coworker. I felt like she was making a huge deal out of this. Granted, maybe she or her family has never been to a hospital before and I totally get that shes worried and stuff. But I'm desensitized. If its not a serious medical issue, I am sure they will be fine and I am not going to go ga-ga over making it a big deal.

I watched my mom pass away in front of my eyes in a hospital. You are not going to impress me with your brothers cough.

I know this sounds harsh. and bitter. and im totally in the wrong here. I am using my own feelings and experiences and taking it out on everyone else. But I just can't find it in me to feel empathy for her situation. I've had it much worse and i want to be a baby about it.

Yesterday she did not come to work, telling me "it was pretty bad" and she needed to watch her nephew while her brother was recovering. I did not respond... even though i know the normal response should have been "hope hes ok" or "keep me updated". Her facebook was updated "saying prayers for my brother". i didnt even know she was religious.

Today, she came into work and we exchanged good mornings but I did not ask about her brother, even though i know i should have.

I really hate feeling this way. I want to be a good friend....but i cant find the strength.

My situations have been extreme. My family has been put in the hospital many times...and i was there as a young child into young adulthood and into mature adulthood. Am i just completely numb to any medical situation unless its dire?