Dear Grandma Miffy
Last night we read the Miffy book, "Dear Grandma Bunny," which is a book that explores the loss of a grandma. We had a recent loss in the family, and we were looking for ways to discuss death and dying in an age appropriate way with Olivia.
This book, to put it mildly, is blunt.
"Why is miffy so unhappy?
On her cheek a tear is bright.
Do you know why she is crying?
Miffy's grandma died last night."
It goes on from there to show Grandma lying in a coffin, being buried, the headstone, and the whole family crying.
The first time we read it she asked no questions.
The last few times, however, have been very enlightening for me and Olivia.
Last night as we read it she asked me, "Why do people die?"
I said that when people get old they stop breathing, hearing, tasting, seeing, and that they just cease to be.
She said, "Oh."
"Why do they stop breathing?"
The she asked why they put Grandma in the ground. I explained that some people like to bury their loved ones once they die.
She said, "Oh."
The she asked, "When I get old and die, are you going to put a rock on top of me?"
These are all appropriate questions, and I tried to answer them in an appropriate way for her age, but as the questions kept coming, I slowly moved the book onto the pile next to me and pulled out the old favorite "I stink!"
It's about a garbage truck.
"What's that?
You think I STINK?
WHOOOOO-WHEE!
Do I ever!
No skunk ever stunk THIS BAD!"



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