Hubby and I were in the car with my 6 year old nephew Jake on Saturday and out of the blue he asked why our baby Gavin died. I was a little taken aback by the question but I managed to answer “because he was born too early and he was just too small to live.” Jake then asked if he was buried in the ground and if he went to heaven. I didn’t know how to explain the concept of cremation so I said “yes he is buried and up in heaven.” Jake seemed satisfied with our answers then proceeded to tell us that he has a friend named Gavin but he’s not dead – which actually made us laugh. It’s funny how kids process things.
Jake sounds adorable. I think you answered his questions perfectly.
ReplyDeleteKids are so innocent. It's nice that they can make us laugh, no matter the topic at hand. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweetheart. And, it's nice to know he was thinking about Gavin.
ReplyDeletelove this.
ReplyDeletei saw my 11 year old niece on saturday and she just gave me a hug and saud "im sorry"
don't you wish everything were that simple?
if you have any questions about TAC let me know.
xoxo
lis
Shortly after I lost Addison my niece who was 3 at the time came over with her daddy to bring us some dinner and she just came up and gave me a hug and casually said, "My mommy says your heart is broken". I had to turn away from her cause I couldn't stop the tears. My brother in law just kinda said, "Sorry". I said it was ok, she's just a kid and she was just stating the obvious.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think those questions are the best way to be reminded that blessings live on in memory. I love the innocence...of course, one of my friend's children asked me why my butt was so big...and I didn't so much love the innocence then...
ReplyDeleteI had the whole 'what happens when you die' question from my nephew - luckily it was about a hamster rather than anything either of us was particularly attached to. I said that the hamster's body went into the ground but its soul went up to heaven. Anyway, he sounds very sweet and I'm glad you could smile about it too.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of these conversations. Just last Saturday, I was driving with my sons to my parents house when the older one opened up conversations on death, cremation, why I didn't tell a doctor before she died, what it must be like for his baby brother when he is an adult to have lost his twin sister, it goes on and on. I mentioned this to a friend who seemed apologetic, but I honestly appreciate understanding how his mind works, helping him understand and think things out. I honestly think the single thing that helped me to deal with fetal demise and prematurity well was the mind of that almost-four-year-old.
ReplyDeletekids- a lot of them are so curious. And they just say what ever they are thinking! I think you answered his questions perfectly!
ReplyDeleteLovely post thanks for posting
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