I had a conversation with my T today that touched me. It was hopeful in a bitter-sweet way. Thought I'd share it here.

Me: You're so much more patient with me than I ever am with myself. How can you be so patient?
T (laughing then thinking): Well, I'm a patient person. That's just part of who I am. Also, I realize that so much of life IS struggle. That's just. . . the way it is. And I can see things in you that you don't see in yourself, that you aren't aware of yet. When you're struggling, I see the process.
Me: Even now?
T (nods): And I've struggled a lot too, I've had things. . . I've gone through my own process, so I know how it is.
Me: So, you've been through a process that is roughly analogous?
T (nods)
Me: It's funny, but when I first started seeing you I just assumed that you'd had this idyllic life.
T (shocked look)
Me: But since then you've told me a few things and I've thought, maybe not so much. That was a look. No?
T: NO
Me: And then I thought, maybe her life's been worse than mine.
T (thoughtful silence)
Me: Not that it's a competition.
T: Right.
Me (a little apologetically): I'm not even sure why I just assumed something like that. I guess it's because. . . you seem to have it so together!
T (laughed again): You know, a few people have told me that. I guess I must put up a pretty good front. (self deprecatingly) Although, you would hope. . .by my age. . .
Me: I'm getting older, too.
T: And you're pulling it together, too. Maybe that's all any of us can ever do.