--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I know what it felt . . . like when I…" description: "\"“I know what it felt . . . like when I . . . thought you were dead, and-\" A small gasp for breath, and her eyes locked on his. \"And I wouldn't do that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ff/diana-gabaldon-185_claire-fraser_i-know-what-it-felt-like-when-i-thought_1302326.jpg" --- # I know what it felt . . . like when I . . . thought you… ![“I know what it felt . . . like when I . . . thought you were dead, and-" A small gasp for breath, and her eyes locked on his. "And I wouldn't do that to you." Her bosom fell and her eyes closed. It was a long moment before he could speak. "Thank ye, Sassenach," he whispered, and held her small…” quote by Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ff/diana-gabaldon-185_claire-fraser_i-know-what-it-felt-like-when-i-thought_1302326.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ff/diana-gabaldon-185_claire-fraser_i-know-what-it-felt-like-when-i-thought_1302326.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ff/diana-gabaldon-185_claire-fraser_i-know-what-it-felt-like-when-i-thought_1302326.jpg) > ““I know what it felt . . . like when I . . . thought you were dead, and-" A small gasp for breath, and her eyes locked on his. "And I wouldn't do that to you." Her bosom fell and her eyes closed. It was a long moment before he could speak. "Thank ye, Sassenach," he whispered, and held her small, cold hand between his own and watched her breathe until the moon rose.”” [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A moment of deep compassion and gratitude after a shared hardship, highlighting love’s quiet strength. **In simple terms:** Compassion after hardship. Key Takeaway Cherish and support loved ones. Themes love compassion gratitude Mood tender reflective Type literary emotional When to use this quote - war trauma - recovery - intimate moments Key Concepts human connection emotional resilience Questions to Reflect On - How do you show gratitude in quiet moments? - What does compassion look like in crisis? A Different Perspective Emotions may be suppressed, making expression difficult. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Claire fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/claire-fraser/) [Jamie fraser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jamie-fraser/) [Loss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loss/) [Near death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/near-death/) [Vigil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/vigil/) ## Related quotes > [“Some enterprising rabbit had dug its way under the stakes of my garden again. One voracious rabbit could eat a cabbage down to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/some-enterprising-rabbit-had-dug-its-way-under-the-stakes-of-my/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [Where did you learn to kiss like that?” I said, a little breathless. He grinned and pulled me close again. “I said I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/where-did-you-learn-to-kiss-like-that-i-said-a-little-breathless-he/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [Jamie," I said, "how, exactly, do you decide whether you're drunk?" Aroused by my voice, he swayed alarmingly to one side, but caught himself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/jamie-i-said-how-exactly-do-you-decide-whether-you-re-drunk-aroused/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“My own eyes went to Jamie, who had come to join Fergus and Ian by the sideboard. Still here, thank God. Tall and graceful,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/my-own-eyes-went-to-jamie-who-had-come-to-join-fergus-and-ian-by-the/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“For the moment, everything had disappeared: the church, the battle, the screams and shouts and the rumble of limber wheels along the rutted road…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/for-the-moment-everything-had-disappeared-the-church-the-battle-the/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“What's that you're doing, Sassenach?" "Making out little Gizmo's birth certificate--so far as I can," I added. "Gizmo?" he said doubtfully. "That will be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/what-s-that-you-re-doing-sassenach-making-out-little-gizmo-s-birth/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I had one last try. "Does it bother you that I'm not a virgin?" He hesitated a moment before answering. "Well, no," he said…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-had-one-last-try-does-it-bother-you-that-i-m-not-a-virgin-he/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“For my sake,” he said firmly, addressing the air in front of him as though it were a tribunal, “I dinna want ye to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/for-my-sake-he-said-firmly-addressing-the-air-in-front-of-him-as/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Jaime," I said softly, "are you happy about it? About the baby?" Outlawed in Scotland, barred from his own home, and with only vague…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/jaime-i-said-softly-are-you-happy-about-it-about-the-baby-outlawed-in/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“You're the best man I ever met," I said. "I only meant...it's such a strain, to try and live for two people. To try…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/you-re-the-best-man-i-ever-met-i-said-i-only-meant-it-s-such-a-strain/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Because I wanted you." He turned from the window to face me. "More than I ever wanted anything in my life," he added softly.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/because-i-wanted-you-he-turned-from-the-window-to-face-me-more-than-i/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“What . . . fellow?” The wind was cool, but I could see sweat trickling down the back of Jamie’s neck, dampening his collar…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/what-fellow-the-wind-was-cool-but-i-could-see-sweat-trickling-down/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Jaime, you must be half-dead" He laughed tiredly, holding me close with one large warm hand on the small of my back. "A lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/jaime-you-must-be-half-dead-he-laughed-tiredly-holding-me-close-with/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“When you took me from the witch trial at Cranesmuir--you said then that you would have died with me, you would have gone to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/when-you-took-me-from-the-witch-trial-at-cranesmuir-you-said-then/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“And, Sassenach," he whispered, "your face is my heart.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/and-sassenach-he-whispered-your-face-is-my-heart/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) ## More by Diana Gabaldon > [Alright, all right," I said. "What if I tell you a story, instead?" Highlanders loved stories, and Jamie was no exception. "Oh, aye, "…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/alright-all-right-i-said-what-if-i-tell-you-a-story-instead/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [There were moments, of course. Those small spaces in time, too soon gone, when everything seems to stand still, and existence is balanced on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/there-were-moments-of-course-those-small-spaces-in-time-too-soon-gone/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [If it was a sin for you to choose me . . . then I would go to the Devil himself and bless him…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/if-it-was-a-sin-for-you-to-choose-me-then-i-would-go-to-the-devil/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [When I turned 35, I thought, 'Mozart was dead at 36, so I set the bar: I'm going to start writing a book on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/when-i-turned-35-i-thought-mozart-was-dead-at-36-so-i-set-the-bar-i-m/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I stagger out of bed, take the dogs outside, and then I'll get a Diet Coke and a couple of dog biscuits and go…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-stagger-out-of-bed-take-the-dogs-outside-and-then-i-ll-get-a-diet/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“It was…hard. I didna call out, or let them see I was scairt, but I couldna keep my feet. Halfway through it, I fell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/it-was-hard-i-didna-call-out-or-let-them-see-i-was-scairt-but-i/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I have all the time and space in the world when I write a book.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-have-all-the-time-and-space-in-the-world-when-i-write-a-book/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I discovered that, given the indescribable nature of what I write, the only way to sell it is to give people free samples.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-discovered-that-given-the-indescribable-nature-of-what-i-write-the/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“We are bound,you and I, and nothing on this earth shall part me from you."One large hand rose to stroke my hair. "D'ye mind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/we-are-bound-you-and-i-and-nothing-on-this-earth-shall-part-me-from/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I think characters are going to be, if not a reflection of the author, at least some refraction of some part of their personality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-think-characters-are-going-to-be-if-not-a-reflection-of-the-author/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [My husband asked me once why I read so many mysteries, and part of it is just intellectual, part of it is the joy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/my-husband-asked-me-once-why-i-read-so-many-mysteries-and-part-of-it/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“My Da says you’re never drunk, so long as ye can hold on to the floor.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/my-da-says-you-re-never-drunk-so-long-as-ye-can-hold-on-to-the-floor/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [When you're an artist, you can't write with the intent of affecting anyone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/when-you-re-an-artist-you-can-t-write-with-the-intent-of-affecting/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“But a man is not forgotten, as long as there are two people left under the sky. One, to tell the story; the other,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/but-a-man-is-not-forgotten-as-long-as-there-are-two-people-left-under/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“I didn’t answer, occupied in dissolving the penicillin tablets in the vial of sterile water. I selected a glass barrel, fitted a needle, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-didn-t-answer-occupied-in-dissolving-the-penicillin-tablets-in-the/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) [Explore all 952 Diana Gabaldon quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) ## More Claire fraser quotes > [“A trained surgeon is also a potential killer, and an important bit of the training lies in accepting the fact. Your intent is entirely…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/a-trained-surgeon-is-also-a-potential-killer-and-an-important-bit-of/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“When you took me from the witch trial at Cranesmuir--you said then that you would have died with me, you would have gone to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/when-you-took-me-from-the-witch-trial-at-cranesmuir-you-said-then/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Well,“ I said, attempting a smile, “at least we know Frank is safe, after all.” Jamie glowered down at me, ruddy brows nearly touching…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/well-i-said-attempting-a-smile-at-least-we-know-frank-is-safe-after/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Here I stand on the brink of war again, a citizen of no place, no time, no country but my own . . .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/here-i-stand-on-the-brink-of-war-again-a-citizen-of-no-place-no-time/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Brave' covers everything from complete insanity and bloody disregard of other people's lives - generals tend to go in for that sort - to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/brave-covers-everything-from-complete-insanity-and-bloody-disregard/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I was born for you" -Claire Fraser, Outlander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-was-born-for-you-claire-fraser-outlander/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Where are you going?" I asked, as Frank swung his feet off the bed. "I'd hate the dear old thing to be disappointed in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/where-are-you-going-i-asked-as-frank-swung-his-feet-off-the-bed-i-d/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Jaime, you must be half-dead" He laughed tiredly, holding me close with one large warm hand on the small of my back. "A lot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/jaime-you-must-be-half-dead-he-laughed-tiredly-holding-me-close-with/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“What . . . fellow?” The wind was cool, but I could see sweat trickling down the back of Jamie’s neck, dampening his collar…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/what-fellow-the-wind-was-cool-but-i-could-see-sweat-trickling-down/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Fat-heided creatures, the Carmichaels," she said judiciously. "Loyal enough, but stubborn as rocks." "Thus sayeth a Fraser," I remarked. "The Carmichaels must be something…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/fat-heided-creatures-the-carmichaels-she-said-judiciously-loyal/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Because I wanted you." He turned from the window to face me. "More than I ever wanted anything in my life," he added softly.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/because-i-wanted-you-he-turned-from-the-window-to-face-me-more-than-i/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“You're the best man I ever met," I said. "I only meant...it's such a strain, to try and live for two people. To try…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/you-re-the-best-man-i-ever-met-i-said-i-only-meant-it-s-such-a-strain/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“Jaime," I said softly, "are you happy about it? About the baby?" Outlawed in Scotland, barred from his own home, and with only vague…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/jaime-i-said-softly-are-you-happy-about-it-about-the-baby-outlawed-in/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [“For my sake,” he said firmly, addressing the air in front of him as though it were a tribunal, “I dinna want ye to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/for-my-sake-he-said-firmly-addressing-the-air-in-front-of-him-as/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) > [I had one last try. "Does it bother you that I'm not a virgin?" He hesitated a moment before answering. "Well, no," he said…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-gabaldon/i-had-one-last-try-does-it-bother-you-that-i-m-not-a-virgin-he/) [Diana Gabaldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-gabaldon/) [Browse all 34 Claire fraser quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/claire-fraser/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I know what it felt . . . like when I . . . thought you were dead, and-\" A small gasp for breath, and her eyes locked on his. \"And I wouldn't do that to you.\" Her bosom fell and her eyes closed. 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