Part of my childhood upbringing is still dominating my belief system; and I am becoming more appreciative of what my Gramma taught me.
When it came to the topic of death...I recall the many times I heard about how beautiful Heaven must be! We children, even sang a short little song about Heaven with our adult family members and friends. It even had some drama added to it!
It was in the olden days, you know, where singing around the piano almost took the place of today's movie night!
I remember scurrying over to where my Gramma stood so I could partner up with her when we sang and did the drama parts together. One line of this little song went something like this:
"If you get there... before I do, please tell my friends I'm coming too!" Gramma and I would be smiling hugely as we shook hands and sang this to each other!
I came to realize how important this indirect training had been later on in life when my husband and I had to attend our first funeral together. I had not known the hopeless sorrow and drunkedness that followed such an event like he had, as a child.
Because life is fragile and does end; it is not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN children have to face such trauma .
Let me strongly encourage you to creatively face the HERE AFTER topic in a way that will build into children the coping skills that they will need sooner or later. For me, it has been the Biblical training that has held me steady. Remember that even your youngest family members, will appreciate that you did! ................................................................Donna G. Porritt
No comments:
Post a Comment