And an awkward silence descends

[jmc_bks]

Yesterday before our meeting, I chatted with one of my fellow board members, the one who got me started on the board, the one I used to work with occasionally.   We were catching up -- he always goes to Jazz Fest in NOLA as his relaxation after the stress of tax season.  And he mentioned planning a trip to Arizona and great opportunities now that his time had freed up.  Huh?  He hasn't sold his business.  His son is (I think) about to graduate from college, but he's pretty independent:  college away, interning in NY, study abroad, etc.  So I'm scratching my head.  My confused silence must've alerted him, since he then told me that he and his wife had separated.   She's bought a house elsewhere and he's on his own.  So he's trying some new stuff.  

I was dumbfounded.  I didn't know them well as a couple, but I know they were together for years (maybe 10?) before they got married (4 or 5 years ago). 

My first reaction was to say that I was sorry they were separated, then to say that he seemed really positive about the changes in his life.  

What else should I have said?  Seriously, because I was blanking.