“Mommy, what is the Blue Ribbon on the door for?”
It was about 5 pm in the evening and had just returned home from picking up my oldest from her monthly Daisy meeting at school, when she noticed the large oversized blue ribbon bow that graced our door, which hadn’t been there earlier in the day when she left for school.
See at almost 6 years old, I have been very careful how much I had disclosed to her about this latest tragedy involving a young, NYPD officer, who was actually born and raised in our local neighborhood, who had been gunned down and murdered the weekend previous.
Actually, I have truly tried my best to shield both my girls from discussing at length any deaths family, friends, pets or more to be perfectly honest.
Since my oldest will be 6 years old in July and my younger daughter is only 4, both my husband and I are on the same page to be cautious on how much divulge or get into with them on this topic.
But I heard the little voices ask me this question and knew I had to answer succinctly and had prepared slightly in my head what I would say if I had to indeed answer this real question.
So, it was now or never.
Because these same voices asking me this question, would most likely hear this and more from others at school, since the young officer killed was a former student of my oldest’s elementary school, graduated from our high school (same one I graduated from over 10 years before him) and was a local resident still living with his parents in our town.
See this hit home more ways than not.
Not only was the story all over the news, but everywhere you went in our town these same blue ribbon bows were hung proudly to show the town’s solidarity for what the senseless tragedy that had indeed happened to this local young man.
[Tweet “#Parents how do you teach about #death to your kids #1Word @Blogitudes @TheGoldenSpoons”]
We also had helicopters circling our skies for days on end and was kind of hard to ignore the overall general noise that they brought to our normally quiet and peaceful suburban skies.
Plus add to the fray that our main and local street that took us in and out of our development was closed for two days not only for the wake, but the funeral, as well which brought over 30,000 police officers from all over the country, as well as the world, to mourn the loss of this young officer.
The funeral, also televised around the country, just so happened to be held at the local Catholic church that my husband and I were married at and our kids will be attending to receive all their sacraments at for years to come.
This tragedy was indeed not only local, but pretty much in our own backyard for better or worse. Just as 9-11 (which was on a grander scale no doubt) was also local for us and many, so too was this officer’s untimely demise that became a national news media sensation.
So, the voices begged to be answered and still my kids were waiting for a response to their original question.
How did I handle their original question of the blue ribbon?
Here is how I did respond and what ultimately seemed to work for me with my girls:
1. Not dodging or ignoring the obvious.
See, I reached deep in that moment (as best as I could), found my voice and knew I couldn’t dodge this bullet (no pun intended no matter how hard I wished I could).
2. Giving brief honest, but solid answers.
I carefully, but promptly and genuinely shared that the ribbon was the same color of a policeman’s uniform.
3. Showing my emotions and not hiding that I was indeed sad and upset for this loss.
I further explained sorrowfully and unfortunately, that recently a young, courageous policeman was hurt badly while trying to bravely do his job.
4. Avoiding any euphemisms, such as sleeping or just gone away, but indeed using the the proper terminology, such as passed away, death, dying.
I, then, found myself adding that this man had died in the process and was now in heaven with others that we have had in our own family that had gone before us, such as their great-grandparents and even the fish we had as pets in the past.
5. Adding a bit of religion, because they will be learning more about our Christian faith as they are growing up in the simplest of terms.
Since we are indeed Christian and Roman Catholic, I added that this young man was also now in heaven and was an angel, as well with the ribbon being just our small symbolic way of showing that we supported him and his family now during this very sad time for them, because we are his family’s neighbors and want them to know that as neighbors that we do very much appreciate that their son, brother or family member did to indeed protect and serve us.
Simply put though, explaining death to young kids is never easy, especially when it hits this close to home.
In the end, my girls seemed to deal with the news better than I could have expected and even days later would share with me while we were driving locally how much they did like that the ribbons were still present in our small town and even sharing again that they knew exactly what they stood for.
What this taught me, was to never underestimate what young kids can and will be able to understand death, as well as how to deal when and where loss, in general, is concerned.
I am also pretty sure we will have more conversations like this in the future, because the reality is death is a part of life, plus with the world we live in today sadly senseless and untimely tragedies, such as this young cop’s death, are quite honestly more the norm than not.
This post was written for the One Word Blog Linkup that is hosted by Lisa of The Golden Spoons (who is off this week on vacation), Marcia of Blogitudes and yours truly, too.
The words for this week are: Voices or Fast; Please feel free to linkup and join us this week.
[inlinkz_linkup id=527237 mode=1]
The Pinterested Parent says
There are unfortunately too many of these stories lately. Being married to a man in blue, I am terrified daily that one day one of those ribbons might hang on my door, especially these days. I think it is great that you were honest with your little one about this, Janine. I don’t think that death is something that we should shield our children from. It is an unfortunate part of life, but a part of it nonetheless. It is so sad. I am sorry to hear that one of these tragedies happened right in your backyard.
Janine says
Aw, Kim I can only begin to imagine and it really is just an unfortunate part of life indeed. When the girls were younger, I did keep closer to the vest on this, but as they are now getting older, I have had to face the reality more and more, especially this time out. And huge thank you to your husband by the way, as I am truly appreciative of his work and dedication to help trying to keep us that much safer.
Yanique Chambers says
First off, condolences to that officer and his family. Explaining death to young children is so hard. These are solid tips that can help families begin that conversation. Thanks for sharing.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thank you Yanique and I waited a bit to even publish this as I tried to wrap my brain around it all and put into words what actually went down here, as well as how I handled it with my girls.
Bev says
First, I’m so sorry to hear about the death of that police officer. Second, it sounds like you handled talking to your daughter about death amazingly. I know it’s not something that is easy to talk about. Years ago when I worked in a kindergarten classroom the teacher’s father passed away. She was out of town for a few days for his funeral and she wanted the children to understand why she was gone and why she was sad. She created a safe space and allowed them to ask whatever questions they had about him and death, and I think it really helped them to understand.
I know one day I will be having a similar conversation with Eve, and I hope I am able to handle it was gracefully and honestly as you did!
Janine says
Bev, thank you so much and I truly can’t say enough how I totally love the way the kindergarten teacher in your classroom handled the death of her father for her students at the time. Definitely something that can’t be ignored, but also has to be done gently, which it does sound like she, too did wonderfully.
Ashford Evans says
Ugh I totally screwed this up with my first child. Hoping I do better with the next two…
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
I was seriously so afraid I would and thanking god I actually did OK, but still shocked that I didn’t to be honest.
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says
This is a tough topic! I had to explain to my 3 Year old at the time why his paternal grandmother wasn’t coming back. He took it really well but it was still a hard conversation to have. Unfortunately it’s inevitable.
Janine says
Nellie, definitely tough at such a young age and sounds like you did a great job, too.
Jennifer Weedon Palazzo says
This is such a tough issue. Thanks for shedding some light.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Glad I could and agree though definitely a tough issue.
Meredith says
As a mom who’s family had a lot of loss in my kids’ very early years, I think you are so right on the money, Janine. Thanks for being smart about this hard task as parents and for opening the discussion!
Janine says
Thank you so much Meredith and was definitely nervous though having this conversation to be quite honest though.
Seana Turner says
Not an easy topic, but I totally agree that telling children the truth makes things easier in the long run. Children who trust their parents will ask more questions, seeking their parent as a source of information. My condolences to the family of the fallen police officer.
Janine says
Thank you Seana and I hope and pray that my kids do trust me enough to always come to me. Even if I don’t always have the answer and will most certainly try my best still.
Lauren Baker Cormier says
So so sad. I think you handled it really well and it’s good that you can broach the subject with them for someone that they didn’t personally know. It would be harder if their first experience with death was with a close family member or friend.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Lauren, I do dread when it is a family member or close friend, but you are right this definitely opened the lines of communication though for sure.
Kristen Miller Hewitt says
These are such good tips and I wish I had this when our cat went to heaven a few months back. I’m so sorry you went through this…
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Kristen and again so sorry about your cat, too still.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I wold have just said it was a decoration. My youngest is 7 and I haven’t explained death to him because I feel he is still too young to process it.
Janine says
Robin, she wouldn’t have believed me for long as it was all over our neighborhood and her school was his former elementary school. So the kids and more definitely talking.
Angie says
Super tough topic indeed! My husband, until quite recently, served as a soldier. I am (selfishly) thankful he did this while our children are young. Our older child will be seven next month. He absorbs everything he hears, meaning when news in on and he happens to be in the same room, I do more explaining than I do watching the news (but as a former army wife, I don’t watch much news unless I’m at the home of someone else). Our children also have a very sad “growing up knowing about death” because my husband’s mother passed away before we even married. This world is a scary place, faith and the hope of eternity will surely be worth it all!
I also wanted to thank you for stopping by and reading my post today. God bless.
Chris Carter says
Oh what a horrible tragedy!! I love though, how you were able to manage those little voices and answer their questions so beautifully, honestly and most of all, with the ability to help them understand death and your belief (mine too!) of Heaven. I’m so glad you took those difficult steps to begin that long road of understanding such a hard topic for any parent to discuss! So wonderful that the girls received it with clarity and awareness. <3
Janine says
Thanks Chris and I truly wanted them to hear it from me before hearing it from anyone else rather than have them be more confused or scared in the end.
Kelly Frey Suellentrop says
One of the hardest things to talk about with children, especially when the death is so violent. It’s one thing when an elderly person dies, and it seems more “natural,” but stuff like this is just scary…for everyone. Good job, mama.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thanks Kelly and I know truly so hard when it is a young person, as it hits closer to their ages and can be more scary for sure.
Diane Roark says
Janine,
When my youngest daughter, Diana, was 5 and in kindergarten her friend died that year. She was in Diana’s class. She passed away from Leukemia. We went to her funeral which was really difficult. This was Diana’s first experience with death. Since then, Jerry lost both of his grandmas. I think experiencing a friend’s death at such a young age affected her more than we will ever know. I regret taking her to that funeral. We tried to be extremely honest with our answers but emotionally she was not ready.
I love your suggestions. They are truly the best things you can do in a terrible situation.
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
Diane, I really grappled with this and tried my best not to share too much, but to also not lie either. Seriously, just a really difficult topic for all ages, but especially when they are so young. So sorry to hear about Diana’s childhood friend and definitely breaks my heart to hear that she had to have a loss of this magnitude at such a young age.
Janine says
Angie, both my kids seem to be like yours and absorb so much around them like sponges. Thank you too and totally my pleasure stopping in and commenting today on your blog, as well.
Joy @ Yesterfood says
You do such a great job with the really tough subjects, Janine- thank you.
Janine says
Thank you so much Joy and truly glad I could do this difficult topic justice here.
Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says
I had to do this when my dad died a few years ago but by then my son was 9 and knew a bit about dying and death. We had previously lost a pet and it was how he was introduced to it. These are all great tips and most certainly the way I would do it when it’s time for Madison to experience the loss of a loved one.
Janine says
So sorry about your dad and can only imagine how hard that had to be on you and the kids, too. And know though when he time comes for Madison, you will do all you can to make sure she is OK with what is going on then around here.
Bill says
Wonderful post today on a very difficult topic. Well done, Janine.
On a happier note, I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.
Janine says
Thank you so much Bill and truly appreciate that coming from you!
Liza | @aMusingFoodie says
I’m always a fan of being honest, simple, and blunt with my kids. Great post!
Janine says
Thanks Liza and so am I with my girls, too.
Melanie says
I think you handled that beautifully. It’s such a tough thing for little ones to understand and you have to be so careful on how you answer those questions. My thoughts are with you and your community. It’s so sad and tragic to continue to hear and read about these stories like this. Breaks my heart!
Janine says
Thank you so much Melanie and the more these types of stories surface, the more they definitely break my heart, too.
Jessica Ullrich says
So sad. I heard about this on the news. My friends and I were just discussing this very topic recently. My oldest is still young but I know it’s something we will need to talk about eventually. Thank you for sharing your communication tips.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Jessica, I truly hope you don’t need to use these tips soon, but if you do am glad I could share what seemed to work with my kids.
Fil says
It is such a sad time for your whole community – and indeed for the world at large right now there is so much to mourn. I think you were very brave in how you broached this with your children. Maybe they will find a way to deal with it than can teach others how to cope.
Sending you all blessings and love
Fil
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Fill and sending blessings and love back at you, too!
Jack says
Sounds like you did great. It is a hard conversation to have with young children, but often necessary.
My son was around 4 the first time we had to talk about death and as I recall the conversation was similar to the way you described yours.
We have been down the road multiple times since then and attended funerals so now I have kids that ‘get it.’ I was sort of sad to have to take their innocence about some of it, but then again I wanted to make sure they learned about it in the manner we thought was most appropriate for them.
Janine says
Jack, that is exactly it and just truly wanted to make sure they learned from us on our terms as they are becoming ready. thank you so much for sharing with me always, my friend.
Marcia @ Blogitudes says
I’d say you handled this tough subject perfectly, Janine. It’s never easy. My mom always had the philosophy that if her children were old enough to ask, they were old enough to know. She was always honest with us yet gentle in how she explained things. Because of that, I grew up trusting her completely. I knew I could always count on her to tell me the truth. That kind of wonderful relationship far surpasses the terrible tragedies of the world (such as the one you’re sadly experiencing so close to home). A mom you can always count on brings a child/adult so much comfort in life – and that’s a priceless gift. You did right by your girls and as they travel through life, they will never forget the loving lessons you’re teaching them. π
Janine says
Thank you so much Marcia for saying this here to me and sounds like your mom was an amazing lady, who I am so glad you had in your corner, too π
April G says
It’s the same way I handled losing Alexander with Bunny. He was way too young to understand, but there have not been a lot of follow up questions. He seemed to get it, at his level. For a couple of years, he did ask if he would come back. It was heart breaking to keep saying no. Great post.
Janine says
Aw, that is truly heartbreaking and again so sorry April for all you went through and still have to go through after losing Alexander.
christina says
There are some topics that are just so hard that we as parents want to avoid them. We tried to keep our kids away from the terrible news on the TV, but sometimes you just can’t. I think you are right, brief, straightforward answers are the best bet.
Janine says
Thanks Christina and I know this was a time where it was truly unavoidable to not discuss as it was all over our community.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Yes, this is so tough. I’ve been open with my girls about death. Our bunny died over 1 1/2 years ago and it laid the groundwork for when I had to explain the death of a family friend and my grandmother last year.
It’s never easy but these conversations are important.
You shared some solid pointers her to help navigate this challenging discussion.
Thanks Janine.
xoxo
Janine says
Thanks Jennifer and our pet fish laid the groundwork for us, too, but this sealed the deal and am glad though I could share what actually did work for us this trying time. xoxo
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
One of the hardest things I have ever had to do as a mom was tell my kids that their Great Grandmother had died. Such a hard thing to talk about & explain to kids! I’m sure you did a great job, though!
Janine says
I was lucky Emma was just a baby when my grandmother died, but can only imagine how hard that must have been for you, but again sure you did fine, too with your girls.
karen says
I’m so sorry for his loss and his family’s loss.
AJ was exposed early while watching Barnyard and the father died…we spoke about people dying and being with God. God will always keep them safe and let them watch over us. Then when our Balboa died, it was personal, it was tough and scary. AJ for the longest time thought we would die as well.
Janine says
Aw, poor AJ and could only imagine if Otha’s been our dog, Elsa with my girls. Seriously, so sorry and hope he is doing a bit better with all of this. Hugs.
Kim says
OH, one of those super difficult parenting moments! You are such an incredible mom – I know that did an amazing job explaining death so that your young girls could understand!!
Janine says
Thank you Kim so much and I just hope and pray I truly did now.
Sandy Ramsey says
I read this story, saw it on the news and it just broke my heart. I’m sorry to hear how close to home it was for you and I am certainly so very sorry for the officer’s family.
I think death is one of the hardest things to discuss with young children. We want them to keep their innocence as long as possible and the subject of death is one of those topics that chips a little of that away.
It sounds to me like you did a great job of keeping it honest but gentle. Well done and so happy you shared this for other parents who find themselves in the same tight spot.
Janine says
Thank you seriously so much again, Sandy. I truly just so wanted to be able to put into words properly how this went down here as far as my own girls were affected.
Leslie says
Oh Janine, I can only imagine how heartbreaking this whole situation must be for you, your family and your community. We’ve discussed death loosely with our oldest. Like you, we’re Catholic, and my usual response is that someone has “gone to meet Jesus”. If she asks questions beyond that, then we go from there. But then again, we haven’t had an event that was so public and in front of our kids. Your approach looks like a great way to approach the topic without overwhelming the kids.
Janine says
Thanks Leslie and I do like that you add Jesus in, too as Catholics this would be a valid statement, as well.
Aunt Gloria says
You handled it well Janine. To keep death real and close to the truth is better for children than stories that stimulate their imaginations and become scary. I think there are books on the subject for children that help them grasp the concept of death without scaring them. Unfortunately, death is a part of life…..not one we like. But you addressed the questions and that seemed to satisfy the curiosity…..and that worked well. xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and I am thankful for now this seems to have indeed satisfied their curiosity. Xoxo
Sandy Ramsey says
This story was so sad. You wrote a lovely post and handled it so well, Janine.
Confessions of A Mommyaholic says
Thank you so much, Sandy and I admit it took me a bit of time to process this all before I put into words to finally share here.
Rosey says
I think you handled it wonderfully. I’m sorry to hear about the officer. π
Janine says
Thank you Rosey and really appreciate your kind words and thoughts, too. π
Eli@coachdaddy says
You might remember an early discussion I had with Grace on this subject came after she asked, “would you die for me, daddy?”
You’re right about a child’s capacity to process the world. In this case, I believe that because there was an action for the rest of you, to honor and remember and think of his family, there was a way for kids to understand the big picture better. It’s not only a tragedy, it’s a time to support each other and work toward a community that doesn’t have to do this again.
You handled it beautifully, Janine.
Janine says
Thank you so much Eli and like I said before here, I really hope I did handle this well for both my girls.
Lindsay Klein says
Wonderfully said, and of course definitely something all parents have to do eventually….You handled it perfectly!!! ..I happened to find out an early age because my father died, but even then it was confusing. I think open lines of communication as best as possible make the best relationships, even parent to child;) xo
Janine says
Thank you Lindsay and I am again so sorry for the early loss of your dad. Hugs!!
Stephanie @ Life, Unexpectedly says
I think you did a great job explaining, Janine! My grandpa dies last November; he’s not been doing well for quite a while, was in the hospital for a few weeks. I made sure the girls still got to see their great-grandpa. We explained to them that their great-grandpa wasn’t feeling well, and they accepted his appearance just like that. When he dies, of course we told them, since they were to go to the funeral with us. There was a lot of crying, on all sides,and the funeral itself was very, very emotional. Seeing all the adults cry, especially their beloved Oma was hard, but especially Violet was so wonderful; she went over to Oma to hold her hand, my wonderful, wonderful girl. Being an Atheist family, there were no explanations of heaven or something similar; we did tell them that their great-grandpa had gone to sleep forever, and that he’ll sleep in the earth now. It was so moving when Lily told him good-night when she threw her flower onto the casket. Personally, I believe that it’s important to explain kids about death when it presents itself; screening the topic away from them only works for a while, and sooner or later, they’ll have to deal with it, and then it may be someone very close to them.
Janine says
Stephanie, I think you too handled this perfectly with your girls and I am also so very sorry for the lose of your grandpa. I am very much with you though on being honest as sooner or later, the reality is death itself will present itself in one form or another, so better to have them deal with it open and honestly with us, those who they love and trust.
Dana says
I’m so sorry about the officer – what a tragedy. It sounds like you handled it well, given your girls’ ages. Talking about death is so tough to do, but your advice of giving brief but solid answers is perfect.
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Dana on both fronts and I truly tried my best to explain it simply, but honestly as possible to both my girls.
Tamara says
It’s tough! My aunt’s cat died yesterday and Scarlet heard me telling Cassidy and wanted to know a bit. I told her but it felt crass, but not telling her felt worse. I had to tell her when her grandmother died and I was honest, showed emotion (too much, I’m sure) and answered questions, but didn’t say too much. It was a balance and she was only four then.
Six-year-olds are smart!
Janine says
It is so tough, Tamara and I am so sorry about your aunt’s cat. But you are so right 6 year olds are so smart!
Jen says
You did exactly what your girls needed! Well done, Mom. This is such a tough conversation to have with kids and your points are spot on. It is never easy, but so important that we have these conversations with our kids.
Janine says
Thank you again, Jen and definitely so very important – couldn’t agree more.
Raquel says
Oh this can be such a difficult subject but I love how you explained the facts. We wish we could shelter our kids from bad news, but being honest and upfront is so important. So sorry to hear about the loss of your neighbor.
Janine says
Thank you so much Raquel and I know as much as we do want to shelter our kids, sometimes we just can’t.
Leah says
I am so sorry to hear about this loss. So very sad for the family.
I think you did a great job explaining to your kids about a very difficult and very real topic. Both my husband and I have dealt with death in our families (parent and sibling) and have had to have the difficult conversations before most kids have to be exposed to that sort of thing. It is never easy – but I also think that being completely honest (keeping it age appropriate as much as possible – although some things you just need to say) and always talking is the right way to go. Your kids will know that no question or conversation is off limits – and that is so important.
Janine says
Thank you Leah and I hope my girls always do know that nothing off limits to discuss with both myself and my husband, too.
Rea says
That is really sad for a young man just doing his job. It’s so touching you guys put up that blue ribbon. And I agree that if something like that happens near you or just around your neighborhood, you feel involved too. It’s true that we shouldn’t underestimate kids. After all, they ask the most questions.
Janine says
So true Rea and kids definitely do ask a lot of questions instinctively.
Kristi Campbell says
wow, Janine, I’m so so sorry that you had to deal with this in the first place. No parent should have to decide whether to clue her young children in as to why the neighborhood is showing blue ribbons (or any other ribbons). I’m sorry that it hit so close to home but it sounds like you dealt with it exactly right. Hugs to you and Kevin and the girls.
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much Kristi and I got to admit it was definitely surreal. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t know this young officer personally, but to have all this going on minutes away from our home was truly not something I would or could have ever imagined. Hugs back at you.
Jhanis says
Such a sad story. Death can be a painful topic to discuss with the kids. I usually take my cue from the kids when they ask about things like this and ask them how they feel about it. Like you, I also refer to our Christian faith.
Janine says
Jhanis, I know not everyone is Christian, but we are and definitely do have my faith and believe so like you I did have to refer to it in this instance.
This Busy Life says
Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it. Talking about death with young children isn’t easy, but it must be done. Sounds like you did so beautifully!
Janine says
Thank you for saying that and I truly hope I did do this topic and conversation justice with my girls.
Kelly L McKenzie says
I can understand your reluctance to share the truth with your two sweet girls. I am so, so glad you did and admire how much thought you put into the sharing. I am not in the least bit surprised that they handled the news so well. Sadly, my two have been aware of death from the ages of 16 months and three years due to the death of their father. Since then they’ve lost a grandfather, a hamster and two dogs. Each time they’ve amazed me with their acceptance. You’re right – we shouldn’t underestimate the “littlies.” They are wiser than we can ever know.
Janine says
Kelly, you said a mouthful here and am amazed at how much loss your kids did go through and how well they made it through, but I do know that is because they have you, who is truly an amazing and wonderful mother in their corner. Thank you so much for sharing and sending some hugs to you now π
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Talking about death is so very tough. I’m glad you daughter was able to handle it. So sorry to hear about this officer. So sad. I like your advice to give concise answers and avoid euphemisms. We certainly don’t want to confuse them more.
Janine says
Thank you Lisa and I agree definitely don’t want to confuse them at all.
Camille says
This is such a tough topic. There’s definitely no easy way to explain these things to kids. I mean honestly, there is just no good explanation for why someone could kill another person. π
Janine says
I agree totally and you are right there really isn’t a good answer at all.
Emily says
You are so right about young kids understanding more than we think about death. When my mom passed, my dad was concerned about my youngest child coming to the funeral, afraid that it would upset him too much and the funeral director said he should absolutely be there. (and he was and he handled it well). I don’t think kids fear death the way an adult might think they do.
Janine says
Emily, I totally agree and the more I see with my own girls from this and more, I realize that kids do grasp way more than we give them credit for.
catherine gacad says
I’m so sad to hear about the police officer. senseless tragedy. you handled the discussion so well. I learned a lot form what you have shared.
Janine says
Thank you so much Catherine and truly was so senseless and sad.
Rabia @TheLiebers says
This really is a tough topic, and thankfully not one we’ve had to deal with too much. There was a young boy in our church who died from leukemia last year. My kids and I had prayed for him a lot, at home and in their Sunday School classes. We pass his gravesite frequently when we walk through the neighborhood cemetery, so the kids now stop to offer a prayer. I’m glad that they seem at ease with the process, but that’s likely because it hasn’t hit very close to home yet.
Janine says
You might be right Rabia and hoping this is as close as it gets for now to be honest.