How many grandchildren do you say you have if one has recently died?

Question

our infant granddaughter died very recently, she was our second grandchild, our first grand daughter. My daughter is expecting a girl very soon and I am not sure what to say when people ask me how many grandchildren I have. I don't want to leave out the one that died, she was one month old, but then I don't know how to address it or explain to people. anyone else have this dilemma?

Answer 1

you have two grand children here with you and one in heaven waiting for you.

Answer 2

People worry too much about what other people think. I for one am one of those. My husband died four years ago and I try not to offend my new husband of 6 months. You have as many grandchildren as God has given. He gave you a granddaughter. Loved and never forgotten. My boys say that they have two dads one on earth and one in Heaven. Who cares what some outsider thinks.

I pray that your family will heal from this sharp and tender wound.

Answer 3

Be honest; say you have 3 (inc. the soon-to-be one) and unless someone asks about it further you don't have to explain. My mother has the same dilemma because I have had 2 children but my son passed away (5 1/2 yrs. ago) and she still includes him when people ask & unless they ask further questions that answers their question. I also include my son when talking of my kids; when people ask I say I have 3 (my 2 plus my husbands 1) and thats all I say unless they notice I only have 2 with me & question where the other one is; then and only then do I feel like I should explain.

Answer 4

You include all of them. You simply say, I have one that's age (?), I have one on the way, and one that recently passed. Even though the she passed away she was and still is your grandchild.
Most people will take your simple answer with no questions. If they happen to ask what happend, you can tell or just say Id rather not speak about it. It will get better/easier to talk about it with time.

Answer 5

I have a nephew that died at a young age but my mother still counts him. He was part of the family and is still remembered. So she says nine. There's no need to qualify an answer to a casual question.

Answer 6

Tell them you have 2 living and one deceased. That's the truth right? Most people won't be so insensitive as to ask anything further than that. They will probably express their condolences and move on to the next topic of conversation.

Answer 7

I would say that I have three (when the third is born) but your first and beloved grandchild was sadly taken form you, if you believe in God, say that she is in the hands of God. I am so sorry for your loss, we lost three young cousins in our family my thoughts are with you.

Answer 8

Love the answers about having one grandchild in heaven.....God bless your grandchild!

Answer 9

count that child as well u have 2 (3 when your next one arrives)one is just waiting for u in heaven. i am sorry for your loss-- i know it how difficult this situation is-- when i lost my child i didnt know what to say when people asked how many children i have-- i found that say i have 2 an adding that one is just waiting for me in heave seemed to help me be able to explain.

Answer 10

you can say something like this "I had 3 grandchildren; but one of them died so I now have 2 grandchildren"

Answer 11

Yes I do,,,,When someone asks I tell them I have 21 but had 22

If they want any more info I'll tell them otherwise I think that is sufficient....