Explaining death

I think Tom and I are entering a stage in life when people in our parents' generation are getting older, facing life-threatening illnesses and even passing away. I already saw it with Uncle Sandy and today am sad to learn that Denise's dad (although older than most of my parents' friends but nonetheless of that generation) passed away.

I'm sad for Denise but also how difficult it is for her and Dennis to explain to a child. Dennis said that Emily is asking a lot of questions, good questions, about grandpa's dying. How difficult it must be to explain to your child when you yourself are grieving. Tonight Tobey and I prayed for Auntie Denise. I said that Auntie Denise lost her daddy and he went to be with God (although I guess that might not have been accurate in that I don't think he was a believer). Tobey looked concerned but at half Emily's age, I'm sure doesn't comprehend and therefore doesn't ask the questions that she does. But the time will come and I bet that no matter how prepared you try to be, it will never be easy.

On a related note, Tom's parents, being in Pittsburgh where Denise's family is too, might be babysitting for Emily and Rachel. I sure hope Denise & Dennis don't feel guilty for leaving them with Tom's parents and I hope Tom's parents don't mind supporting them in this way as opposed to attending the funeral. My guess is that Denise is just being realistic. There's just no way she can properly emotionally present for the funeral with the girls, especially given how active Rachel is. At Grandma's memorial, I think Matt-n-Kat missed half of it because they were taking care of Kelsey and Morgan outside. I was thankful that despite all the stress to arrange, we got a babysitter for Tobey and Eli.