That’s what Maura asked me tonight. Grandpa’s funeral was a week ago, and she hasn’t talked about it, so I was caught a little off guard by her question. At the funeral home last weekend, she was surprisingly well-behaved and asked repeatedly if we could go up and approach the coffin. Grandpa looked so peaceful, like he was asleep. She smiled when she looked at him. I explained the situation to her, but honestly figured that being only 2 years old, she wouldn’t grasp the concept of death.
Tonight I talked to her about it some more, and just purchased the book What is Heaven Like? about a little boy and girl who also lost their grandfather. Hopefully this will help the girls understand and address some of their questions. Helping Children Understand Death from the National Network for Child Care is also a good resource.
My grandpa was a great man. I’m going to try my best to keep his memory alive. This is his obituary, printed in the Austin American Statesman last week:
Im SO sorry for your loss- He sounds like he was an amazing man.
As for your princess, Im sure your support and explaining she will come to terms with it. Never let his memory fade- do what you can to let her remember him. My dad passed when my daughter was almost 3, and to this day {shes 6} she can still tell you who he is.
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My parents are in their 80’s and I have a 3 and 6 year old. I know it will be so hard when they die. I have already started talking to them about death. I am sorry for your loss and am sure you will keep your grandfather’s memory alive for your girls.
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I’m sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose someone no matter how old they are.
.-= Ticia´s last blog ..After six months it’s done…… =-.
I am so sorry for your loss. Death is awful but a part of life, unfortunately. Sending you my prayers and hope you all get thru this.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..By: Lisa =-.
Death sucks and is hard to understand for us adults, let alone small children. I still remember when my Dad died and I had to tell my 5 year old. The number one thing I learned (and you may have already) is to never tell them he was “sick” and then he died because a young child will get really scared when anyone gets sick in the future, even if just from a cold. It was great advice and really makes sense when you consider how their little brains think. Your Grandpa sounds like he was a wonderful man! 🙂
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I’m always unprepared when my daughter asks about her grandma. She never knew her, yet she was born in the year just after my mom passed away. She knows when I cry it’s because of missing Grandma. I imagine she’ll start asking more questions as she’s getting older. I hope the book helps…it’s got to be hard for you.
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