today was “that day” March 20, 2007
Bassie: Mommy, I’m going to ask you a question, and I don’t want you to laugh, and I want you to think about it before you answer.
(Oh, here it comes, what will I say, oh no, I’m not ready, I knew this day would come, I…)
Me: Okay, honey.
Bassie: Does it hurt to die?
Heart dropping into stomach. Pause. Pause.
Me: Well, if someone’s really sick, then being sick might hurt them. But dying doesn’t hurt.
(Does it? Existentially speaking, I think I’m covered.)
Bassie: Oh.
Dina: I don’t want to die.
(Ahhh! No, no, I’m not ready for both of you to do this…)
Bassie: But you have to; everyone dies. But it doesn’t hurt. ANd you won’t die till you’re very very old.
(Thanks, Bassie. You can take it from here…)
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