The other day, my husband sat with our 6-year-old grandson while Mommy went to pick up Daddy from work. Grandson asked grandpa about death. He asked if grandpa would die, and grandpa said that, yes, he would, someday, and that it is just another part of life. Grandson also asked if his mommy and daddy would die, and grandpa said, truthfully but kindly, that yes, they would, someday. Then grandson asked plaintively, "Who will take care of me?"
Grandpa answered that by the time any of this happens, grandson will have grown and learned to take care of himself and of others, too, as he will most likely have a family of his own; but that for right now, we are all here and we all will take care of him, and teach him how to take care of himself.
Grandson seemed satisfied with that, and the bottom line there was his worry about being cared for. He asked the questions quietly and without fear, but with a legitimate concern in mind. Grandpa answered truthfully and kindly. His curiosity and concern satisfied, grandson then turned back to the more usual concerns of childhood -- play.
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