I lost a friend earlier this year who left behind a three year old as well. I have no idea how to explain that. I think, possibly, a lot of it has to do with what the child is willing to accept. Of course, I would try to tell her that her mother is within and without her, taking residence in all the things she once loved and all the people who loved her, but if the girl finds no comfort in that and doesn’t believe it, then I think it would be good to look for other stories and images that might work for her.

When I was three or four my mother told me that my great-grandfather, whom I was very close to, went to heaven. My response was to hate God, even at that young age.

Like I said, I don’t know if telling my son a rocket ship comes for those that are dying is good or not, but he chose the object and gave it meaning, which really helps when w have these conversations.