Jun 25 2008
The Death Debacle
I thought we were past it, the death thing.
But today after what appeared to be a jolly time on the double Slip n’ Slide, my nine year old wrapped herself in a beach towel and proceeded to sob unconsolably. At the heart of her troubles, the inevitability and finality of death.
Needless to say, she was bringing me down. 
She is by nature a happy go lucky, clowning around, no sweat kind of gal. To see her alternately morose and grieving, really broke my heart. It even had an effect on her older sister, who on a good day would find her unbearably annoying. But the sadness was toxic, warranting a hug from my surly teen, whose normal reaction to physical displays of affection is “it burns, it burns”.
My thoughtful little tween is better now, smiling and joking. But I was a little stressed this afternoon, considering even whether or not I should have her speak to a counselor. We haven’t lost any family members of late, and the way she’s struggling with the concept has me more than a little concerned. For all my hugs and comforting words it seems she didn’t snap out of it until she was absolutely ready. I can’t say I offered anything useful, to this day I’ve never lost anyone close to me, I suppose navigating that grief is something we’ll all have to learn together.
