John's grandmother passed away last week and we were busy with her viewing and funeral this past Sunday and Monday. This is the first person that Ava has been close to that has died and I really wasn't sure how to explain things to her. She accepts as a simple matter of fact that the cat died, the neighbor's dog died, batteries in her toys die, etc., but how do you differentiate these things from a loved one that died? Actually, she had surprised me previously when she randomly mentioned one morning that Grandma Zarse was dying. I couldn't argue with her because I knew that Grandma Zarse was very sick with terminal cancer that had spread throughout her body. When I asked her why she said that, she replied that Grandma was sick and old. She knew that her cat was sick and died and she had also been told that people also die sometimes when they are sick or old. So then to inform her that Grandma Zarse did die and take her to the funeral was another adventure. She was never really sad or upset, just accepted the fact, but had many questions. Of course, she started asking where people go after they die or what happens - try explaining salvation and heaven to a 3 year old! I am just thankful that Grandma Zarse did have Jesus in her heart and loved the Lord so that I could honestly tell Ava that she went to heaven to live with Jesus. But then she was confused when she saw Grandma again at the funeral service since I had told her that Grandma already went to live with Jesus. Heaven, salvation, body and soul are difficult concepts for all of us I guess though.
By the way, if you haven't already read it and want some additional insight on this subject, I highly suggest the book Heaven is for Real. It tells the true story of a 4 year old boy's trip to heaven when he was close to death during an appendectomy. Awesome, amazing insights from this book - gives us a glimpse of what heaven may really be like. Check it out here.
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