"No News Is Good News"

See title--this was on of my mother's favorite sayings.  How do you interpret it?  It could have a couple of meanings:

1.  Nothing in the news is good.
2.  Hearing nothing by way of news indicates that everything is well.

Mom meant it as meaning #2--if you don't hear anything bad, that's good news.  No one in the family died or is in the hospital or in trouble.  Of course, that is proprietary to family--not the nation at large.

My experience, however, says otherwise.  When people are happy, information (news) from them is free-flowing and bubbly.  Even when times are tough, they keep on reaching out and doing the things that help them feel better.  It's when the incoming info begins to slow or stop that I get suspicious.  Why?

Go to a hospital and visit people in major pain.  If they aren't too groggy from sedation, the absence of pain will allow them to be chatty and upbeat, but the minute the painkillers begin to wear off,  they get quiet.  Women in the throes of hard labor aren't likely to engage in minor chit-chat.  People who are looking death in the face have no need or reason to be cheerful and engaging.  'Tis the same with people in emotional turmoil.  How much to share with people who can't really help?  In these cases, no news isn't necessarily good.  It just means that circumstances are bleak.  Loved ones are often blind-sided by post-traumatic situations because they weren't picking up on the quietness of the people they love.

If someone you love who normally contacts you on a regular basis gets suddenly quiet, you need to investigate.  There might be nothing you can do to help, but at least you can know the truth...or whatever truth he/she wants you to know.

News is news, whether good or bad.  It's going to come down, whatever the circumstances.  And good luck!