My family has experienced quite a bit of loss over the past few weeks. With each death, came precious opportunities for me to speak to my children about growing old and the inevitable. While it’s not the easiest topic to talk about with our children, I think it’s important that they know that the day will come for everyone. That it’s okay that even though we are mourning the physical loss of a loved one, we can still discuss their spiritual journey and pray for their eternal happiness.
One particular morning my 6 year old daughter, Amelia, had many questions about death and Heaven. Our conversation (in the car on the drive to school) went something like this …
“Why do old people die?”
Some people die when they are old and have lived a long, happy life. Others may pass away young(er). Only God knows when it is our time to be with Him.
“What makes us go to Heaven or Hell?”
Do the right things, treat your others how you would like them to treat you and believe and trust in God and I’m sure you will get to Heaven one day, my love.
“What do you think Heaven is like?”
Heaven is like the feeling you get when you experience your most favorite thing, but that feeling lasts forever. Picture your perfect day. Imagine if you could feel that happiness and joy for eternity!
“Is Grandpa in Heaven?”
I wish I could say yes, but I won’t know for sure until I get there myself. But I’m sure he is on his way.
“Will you and Daddy die before me?”
I truly hope we do. After we live to be old and gray and see you and your sister all grown with your families.
“I’ll be sure to put your picture on an ofrenda like Miguel in Coco!”
Okay, thanks babe! *giggles
And finally …
“Mommy, will you wait for me in Heaven?”
I clenched the steering wheel and choked back the tears as I answered her.
“Of course, I will wait for you in Heaven.”
That’s as much of an answer as I could muster up the strength to verbalize. I wanted to say, “I hope I get to Heaven well before you and have to wait a very long time. Because that means that you would have lived a long life here on earth. My love, I will wait for you with open arms, ready to welcome you into eternal happiness. I don’t want the time that YOU wait to see me again to be spent in sorrow because we will be together once again when God calls you home. Live your earthly life to its fullest extent. Take risks. Love big. Absolutely, I’ll be waiting for you.”
The rest of the car ride was silent, until we reached school. When we stopped I asked her why she stopped asking questions and she answered with a smile,
“I was just thinking about Heaven.”
