The complicated, deep, involved conversations always happen when you least expect them. We were having lunch, bantering, our usual, when Jellybean started the following conversation. Luckily, I kept my composure, held back my tears and somehow, some way was able to hang with her. (Names are changed to protect the innocent)
Jellybean: Who are Grandma Kelly's parents?
Me: Her parents are my Grandma and Grandpa O'Neal.
J: Where are they?
Me: They died before you were born.
J: Was Grandma sad?
Me: Yes, very sad.
J: Does she miss them?
Me: Yes, and so do I.
J: Is she looking for new parents?
Me: No, you only have two parents, so those were her only parents. They would have LOVED you and been so proud of you. I know that for sure.
J: Who are Grandpa Dan's parents?
Me: My Grandma and Grandpa Brown.
J: Did they die too?
Me: Yes, they died before you were born.
J: Was Grandpa sad?
Me: Yes, he was very sad.
J: Does he get to have new parents?
Me: No, no one gets to have new parents. Grandma and Grandpa's parents were MY grandparents, and I got to go to their houses and play with them and have lots of fun like you do with your grandparents.
J: Do you miss them?
Me: So much, I think about them all the time.
J: Why did they have to die? Are you going to die?
Me: Yes, everyone dies eventually, even you will. But not for a really long time. Can you count to 100?
J: No!
Me: Well, that's how many years you get to live, or more.
When she asked if I was going to die, I just couldn't lie to her. I made a split-second decision that the truth was the way to go. What do you think about that? What would you have said?
