I told him everything dies. Our bodies wear out and get tired. But he's eager for more details.
So on our latest library trip, I was grateful to find the book "Saying Goodbye to Lulu" by Corrine Demas.
The book tells the story of a little girl whose dog begins to weaken and die. As the dog looses her ability to move and sense the world around her, the little girl is loyal if a bit angry to loose her good friend.
I really appreciated how the book communicates that old age is a lot like infancy. When we are young and old we have trouble doing many things on our own, and we rely on those around us who love us.
The kids love the book and we've read it over and over and over. If you have a morbid child like Reuben or are simply looking for a beautiful and profound explanation of dying, look it up.
6 comments:
I wrote a paper on grief rituals in America - I learned that there are storybooks for children whose family members have died. The picture books explain that the person's not in pain anymore, that it wasn't the child's fault, that the person is happy where they are, etc...interesting stuff! Nice to know there are resources for really young kids. And I hope none of you die soon.
Isaac had a strange fascination with death, too. His toys would "get died" on a daily basis for a while. We've explained death to him, how some of his great-grandparents have died, etc and I think he kinda gets it, but his ears still perk up when he hears mention of someone or something dying.
I have no profound comment to leave other than this: I love your kids.
Thanks for the book reference! Juliette asks a lot of questions about death too, and I think the concept is a little frightening to her. We've tried to reassure her, and explain about eternal life and whatnot, but books are always really helpful teaching tools.
I probably would have done the less responsible but more morbid thing and started reading Edward Gorey at bedtime.
I read the book today at the library with Eliza. I had to stop a few times as I thought about the prospect of losing Orah. Eliza asked, "what's wrong,Oma?"I am a weeper.
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