My Kids' Reactions

A few days ago, E sent me a SMS after trying to get me on the phone repeatedly without avail. When I checked my phone, I was with the boys playing in the living room. 

I: "Oh dear..." (sounded a little sad and surprised)

Both boys looked up at me. "What happened?" the 4yo asked, just as the 2yo questioned "Why?"

I: "Papa just told me his uncle died." 

Immediately,

The 2yo: "Oooh Nooooo!"  (His face showed a sad understanding of what's going on when just minutes ago, he was laughing from our playing.)

The 4yo: "Poor papa! Is he sad? But that means his uncle is in Heaven now."

The 2yo: "Uncle must take ambulance. Uncle fall down and knock his nut?"

I: "No, this uncle was sick."

I was so surprised by the kids' reactions and their attempts to express empathy and comfort me. Especially the 2yo who seemed to understand. 

I explained briefly what happened with this uncle and how his passing must affect his loved ones. Though we are not close to this relative whom I have met only thrice so far, it is never easy handling news like this. 

It makes me reflect once again, the fragility of life and how we have to cherish each day that we have.