Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Some people think that you should hide (shield?) kids from death. I'm not one of those people.

Marc's grandfather died yesterday. His 94th birthday would've been this coming Friday. He used to (up until February) drop by our house bearing all forms of gifts, such as donuts and rotisserie chickens. In fact he is the very man that made the purchase of the Gingerbread House even possible. A few years ago Xavier sent Great Grandpa a letter about how to get to heaven, which helped to soften his heart to Jesus. So my family has many ties to this man other than just blood relation.

I've been fielding all forms of heaven related questions. Some I could answer, some I couldn't, and some I sent to Marc.

"Mom, if I pray and ask God to tell Great Grandpa something will he do it?"

"Mom, is Great Grandpa going to see God or only Jesus in heaven?"

"Mom, how old will Great Grandpa be in heaven?"

"Will he wear clothes in heaven?"

"Great Grandpa will be really happy to see his wife again, huh?"

These are all Xavier quotes. Leia's question mostly consisted of what would happen to Great Grandpa's farm, and where all of his animals were (he hasn't had any since before she was born). Gaius just asked me if Great Grandpa died and then went off to play.

All of their responses are a great window into their souls (and age).

  • Xavier is my big hearted, caring, first born. Who cares deeply for everyone's soul.
  • Leia is my tender hearted, animal lover (she cries when she see the abused animal commercials).
  • Gaius is 4.
My strategy for dealing with difficult situations for my kids is to let them take the lead. Whether or not it is effective is TBD. I answer the questions they ask as simply as possible and if more information is needed then the conversation continues. Lots of times the simple answer is enough...at least for now.

Being a mother is definitely an interesting ride, that I wouldn't trade for anything.