What to tell kids?

[RhondaH]

When I was going through chemo and was REALLY sick, my 4 yo would ask me if I was going to die (this also came about because my father died the day before my 3rd chemo so he naturally put together sick and dying) and I found it's hard to explain death to a 4 yo. I think the hardest time for me is when Tony has a meltdown and begins crying and yelling "Mommie, don't leave me" (even if I'm just leaving the room). YES, the process of dying doesn't scare me, but leaving my son (4yo) and mother(73yo) (I'm a single mother and an only child, Gina and I spoke previously about having cancer and being a single mother and the different feelings THIS brings) scares the HELL out of me. I never was DEEPLY religious before cancer, but I feel GOD has blessed me with so much (my life, my son's life, mother, family friends, etc) that I thank him every day and while I know this life is only temporary, I pray to God every night thanking him every day and asking him that he keep me on earth long enough to help build my son's belief and faith in him so that one day we will all be together again.

Rhonda Hoffman

[CherylS]

This one touches me to the depths of my soul too. One comfort that comes from the pain we feel as mothers though, is that our love for our children is only a foretaste of how much God loves each of us and our children. Life on this earth is but a vapor for every one of us. I am not afraid of dying, like the rest of you, I am afraid of leaving my children, but even more afraid of causing them to watch me be sick. I would like to recommend a book to all of you, and it would be an excellent book for kids too if they are old enought to read it. My daughter is 13 and devouring it. It is called "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. It is published by Tyndale. It is the most accurate, well researched and documented yet easy to read commentary on what the Bible says about life after this life I have ever seen. It's insights will comfort you with the assurance that if we believe in Jesus Christ we will indeed all be together again, but not only if, how and where and what it will be like. Taken straight from the scriptures this book is honest and has the potential to change your outlook drastically, and for younger children it will give you insights to comfort them with truth as well. This is a book I am giving to all of my children to read because I know that if I leave them first (my friend lost her 23 year old son last year in a motorcycle accident) it will give them understanding, confidence and comfort.

I am noticing more and more that this message board is becoming a place to come for friendship and comfort. Thank you all, and God Bless you.

[Sheila]

Michelle
I understand...& it never gets easier when your children grow up...then its Grandchildren....as Mom's, we are the protectors, the strength for our children...the worry never leaves us, it is just so hard when it affects our children...they are my inspiration to fight & do whatever it takes to survive this illness....