My sister-in-law had a headon collision and died last Monday. It's hard enough for the family and we are all Christians, but what do I tell my granddaugher? We have custody of her. She says..."Louise is dead". I tell her that she is with Jesus, but she is too young to really understand that. She saw her in the coffin, I didn't really think it would make this big of impact on her she is almost 4 years old. She says, "her eyes were closed", and "she keeps talking about her hands".
Please, be nice with your answers I want a Christian to answer this for me. Thank you.
2006-12-03 18:38:10 · 12 answers · asked by Jan G 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you for your kind words.
2006-12-03 18:46:15 · update #1
Tell her the truth. Tell her, Yes Louise is dead but she is now in a better place and she is with Jesus.
2006-12-03 18:40:49 · answer #1 · answered by J T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very hard to explain to a child that young what death really is. I tried with my ex's 4 year old cousin when her grandmother died and couldn't really find the words to explain death to a 4 year old. I finally told her that her grandmother is going to stay asleep now and that she isn't in any pain anymore (grandmother died in a car accident). I hope you find the words because I never really figured it out and she just kept asking me "why" over and over again.
I'd recommend that you not try to tell her about heaven or anything. She's too young to understand and won't find any comfort in those words whatsoever because she doesn't understand what you mean.
Tell her that you love her and you'll always be there for her so she isn't alone.
2006-12-03 18:43:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jan I don't envy your problem. I think the best way to explain this to a child this young is to put a glove on your hand and explain that the glove represents the body and your hand represents the spirit. Then explain that at death the spirit (which makes us who we are) leaves the body and goes to God and the body (which is just a shell without the spirit) stays here.
I am sorry for your loss and I hope this helps. I Will report anyone who give an unkind answer and just remember that God will send you comfort if you but ask. God bless and good luck.
2006-12-03 18:49:23 · answer #3 · answered by Ethan M 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to hear your loss sweetheart.
I cannot see myself trying to give you the right answers for your situation because I am only human too.Listen to Gods voice in the depths of His own mind remembering along as you do about His eternal unconditional Love for us all. Explaining to a 4 year old why Louise has left the Earth for a moment would seem right to expand your trust in a Creators reasonings for the cycle of life and death in that moment and place yourself into your Granddaughters thoughts,because you know her best Grandma,to bring her comfort.I know it's hard sometimes but if possible to understand I would'nt allow my feelings to overtake me to show visible emotion in fear of causing the baby girl to grasp onto them which would block any comfort given.
Grandma,you're doing an awesome job so don't worry....God has the answers you're looking for.
2006-12-03 19:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by unmovingasp 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Continue telling her that your sister-in-law has gone to Heaven to live with Jesus, but add that time to do this is different for everyone so your grand-daughter won't become afraid of death, as she grows older she'll come to understand it. Good Luck & God Bless, I'm truly sorry to read of your loss.
2006-12-03 18:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by Daydream Believer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just explain to her your concept of life after death and what heaven is like. Tell her that although Louise misses all of her family, she is very happy right now and one day everyone will be able to see her again.
2006-12-03 18:45:28 · answer #6 · answered by MyPreshus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that there is anything that you'll be able to say that her little mind will comprehend fully right now. No matter what, keep telling her the truth. She's with Jesus and she'll see her again someday. Eventually she'll come to understand.
I'm sorry for your loss.
2006-12-03 18:42:08 · answer #7 · answered by Sheryl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You stick with the truth. She is with Jesus.
Continue on with the family and marriage parallels of God, Jesus and us.
Back to her true family. We are just passing through with other family members.
I will be praying for you, this is a tough thing to do, but the truth is what is most important.
2006-12-03 18:42:18 · answer #8 · answered by Slave to JC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says that death is like sleeping without dreams and that soon Jesus will resurrect (recreate) those who have died. It is important for her to know that her Mother loved her very much and that she will recognize and love her still when she awakens. It will also give her hope to know that Jesus has conquered death and her Mom will be perfectly happy and healthy when she awakens. God bless you for raising this child (also his child) as your own.
2006-12-03 19:29:41 · answer #9 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a christian response to this, I'd tell her that she has made a wonderful transition and is waiting for all of us. I'd say that she's happy now and is free from suffering and is always there with us if we think of her.
2006-12-03 18:42:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋