I know this. They will soften to the idea once they reach the crucial years of reasoning and the ability to grasp abstract thinking. I mean, 'heaven' isn't such an easy place to rationalize.
They shrugged their shoulders when Tigger ran away. (presumed dead)
They had a few questions, then an "ok - that's too bad" when Ginger dissapeared forever.
And why would they think to cry and despair about a dead cat, requesting a burial in the backyard and to put special toys in the box? They speak with equal candor about Emma. THIS POST the most recent example of how The Comedian minces no words - or concepts.
Our remaining cat, sweet Sally, is pregnant. We have no idea when she's going to deliver the babies. (any of you know the gestation period for a cat??) 
So... we sit around the dining room table and vote on the size of the litter. I say 4, hubby 6, the kids agree on 5. Then the question that struck me silent, "Mom, will all the kittens be alive or will some die?""Uh............................................" was the best I could manage for a good 30 seconds. Then I decided on the truth. It was something like this, "I hope they will all be alive, but I have known of kittens that died."
Their response? (In a very business-like tone) "Well, if they do die at least they will have Emma to play with them."
A smile was the best I could manage. My kids are ten times wiser then I ever will be.
13 comments:
Gestational period for cats is about 2 months. Can't wait to see pics of the furbabies.
Hmm, you three ladies always make me think and cherish you all at the same time.
I don't know, densensitized? It seems more like Sensitized, your girls know of the Circle of Life through Emma. It reminds me of 100 years ago, when we had our wakes and funerals at home.
Thank you for your sweet comment, Cara. I'm glad we're friends.
Psst, Kristin is really smart, I would have to looked that up.
darn cats only have to be pregnant for 2 months :( glad to meet you visiting from ilcw
How can your daughters' words make me both laugh and cry at the same time?
You are such a good mama, Cara.
I had a cat while I was growing up....and I still have no clue about gestation period...She would always come around to our place for the delivery though.
It was such a hard-hitting question that Comedian asked.
Wisdom indeed!
What wise children! I love that your little girl's mind went to a place of peace instead of a place of sorrow right away. You are a GOOD MOM! :)
Hugs,
Carrie
Thanks for stopping by my blog! :)
Your girls are just precious.
(As a sidenote, I just read your last post about the education system. As a teacher, I TOTALLY and COMPLETELY agree with you. It is BEYOND ridiculous. But, until legislators can see the effects of their decisions firsthand, it's not going to get better. In our state, KINDERGARTNERS are tested (statewide, standardized tests) in Writing -- they are expected to write a COMPLETE SENTENCE USING CORRECT SPELLING/PUNCTUATION. Including a capital letter and a period. At five.
Insane.
Jo
Wise indeed. You do have some great kids.
Good luck on becoming a fur mommy again!
Very wise way to look at things. Your girls are very smart!
ICLW
Yes, yes they are.
I'm smiling and crying at the same time. Your kids are amazing.
ICLW
What a sweet conversation. I love that the girls include Emma in their lives and their thinking. I think it's so beautiful.
8-9 weeks I think. Talking about our wills and what kind of memorial I would want for myself with my very uncomfortable husband reminded me how desensitized I am to it too. And that isn't that bad. Death is a part of life.
What great girls you have.
Post a Comment