grieving through the eyes of a 4-year-old

We all grieve in our own way.

One of the most challenging things about this week has been answering Thomas' questions about his Poppa's death.

Our children saw their Poppa's body, peacefully laid out in his own bed. I think this was important to give them closure and help them understand the reality of death: that the real Poppa is no longer on this earth, but that he has gone to heaven to be with Jesus.

Here are some of the comments and questions we have heard from Thomas:

- If I touch Poppa's body, will I go to heaven?
- Why isn't Poppa talking to me?
- When Poppa went to heaven, he left his face behind.
- At the big table there will be an empty seat, because of Poppa.
- Is Poppa everywhere?
- No more Poppas in the world now, Mummy.

And Andrew's comment when he saw the powerpoint about David's life at the funeral?

- Poppa. Poppa!

Then, looking around the church:

- Poppa?