We had to explain his grandmother’s death to my then four year-old son. We lived in the same town and he witnessed her declining health from cancer. That being said, when it came time for me to break the news, I told him the Water Bugs and Dragonflies story (there is a book on Amazon), which incorporates a spiritual aspect to death, but not necessarily Christian. I’m not sure if he completely understood the metaphor, but I felt like I was coming from a place of sincerity.

Fast forward to the funeral and all of the grandmother’s family were talking about how she was now in heaven with Jesus, fishing like she’s always longed to do. And that’s what comforted them, so what could I say? Whenever he asks me these questions now, I’m honest with him and respond, “Maybe! No one really knows but that sounds nice, right?” And then deflect by asking him what he thinks happens.

Actually, that’s how I answer most questions now for which I don’t have the answers: “Hmmm….what do you think?”

Can I just tell you how excited I was when I heard Margot say that she wrote Cloudy With a Chance of Love?!?!? lol

Hey, I wrote in about the issues with dealing with concerns for the child as a nanny. I appreciated the perspective of two mothers. When asked I have told the parents what type of services and therapies I think would help him as part of the team. However no moves were made to tackle the behavior issue so I never said more because I do appreciate how hard it is to be a parent, especially with cerebral palsy, and I wanted to be respectful. I did speak with other team members about this during all types of therapies asking for advice and tools on helping the child. Last week within a few days of each other the parents were told by multiple doctors and therapists that his behavior was separate from his disability and should be addressed. One therapist even put in a referral for behavioral services. I’m so glad my concern was validated and came from someone other than me.