->Arrow

I can really relate to Fraser in this situation; as a nurse, when parents/patients receive dire diagnoses, it is really hard to give support initially because, having seen and been through these situations before, knowing statistics and procedures and protocols and side effects, you worry about offering too much, too soon. One thing we are taught regarding communications with patients and families is that, if you don't have time to listen to the answers, don't ask the questions; so often when sticking to this particular pearl we, too, are reduced to the simplistic and seemingly rote questions and responses, the ones Ray becomes so frustrated with. And it is not because we don't care; it takes a lot to learn to balance what the family needs versus what you able to offer, be it emotionally, intellectually or spiritually.

It feels very real and organic to me, Fraser's decision to finally share his experiences with his grandmother with Ray. Fraser finally determined, consciously or not, how much he could offer Ray and make his words a comfort, a connection, rather than having them seen as dire prophecies for Ray's future with his mother.

Very well crafted :) Without the fannish references, it would make a nice entry into any book or pamphlet on therapeutic communications/self-sharing with families or patients facing such health issues.

And I have no objection to F/K gen at all ::waves tiny F/V flag::