Talking to strangers about Joy

So just a random post... I called today to make a hospital (last one :-)!!!!) payment over the phone today and since it was a labor and delivery the lady kindly asked how old my baby was. I know a lot of people have had a hard time with this question for a lot of reasons. You don't want to make the person feel bad for asking and it does give your heart a painful little twinge. I have heard a lot of people just answer with how old their baby would be or quickly saying that the baby passed away. My mind raced a little with where I wanted to go. I always have a hard time not talking about Joy. She is still a huge part of my life and I love talking about her!! I replied "oh she passed away she was 5 hours old.. Pause.. We knew she was going to pass away, she had a condition called anencephaly and we were just so happy she made it to term and spent 5 hours with us." I am so grateful for the ladies response! She said "I am so sorry. I am so happy you were able to have her for that long. What a neat experience." It was!! I am so grateful everyday for that experience with my sweet Joy!! We talked for just a second more and in a choked voice the lady told me thank you for sharing. If only she knew how much I appreciated her answer. All of the time people mean well and I know that just one word can affect the way a condolence is received dramatically. Had she said that I should be grateful for the time I had with her it would have been a totally different conversation. But she just simply said she was happy we were able to have that time and expressed a genuine "sorry". She didn't say much but it was more than just "sorry, now what is your card number :-)" I don't think I have ever been offended by something someone has said, I am sure unfortunately the time will come where it just hits me off guard. I know I have been very lucky because a lot of my friends have had some pretty silly things said to them. Even having lost a baby, everyones experience is so different, I still don't know what to say. I am so grateful for this lady's example for me today, I know how good it felt to talk about my Joy and feel good about it afterwards. Now my heart is full and I can have a happy cry :-)