[AnnieK]

Once at work (I work in recruitment) a girl rang in crying and said she couldn't go to her placement because her dad had died. I was sympathetic and told her to take as long as she needed and told the client the situation. Went out bought a sympathy card from us at the office, then rang her to tell her to take as long as she needs - losing your father is not something you get over quickly and you don't want to return to work too quick etc etc.....and she started laughing - after all that it was not her dad who had died but her dog because she was upset on the first call i had misheard her - still sad but in perspective not that big a loss. I remember wanting the ground to open me up especially as I had posted the ****ing card so had to warn her about that. Then had to ring the client and explain my stupidity too.