Okay, so we watch lots of TV shows that will teach us things. There are very few shows that we (my husband and myself) watch that we won't let our son watch. Our son learned about death from watching mystery shows that we love.
Today, we watched a show about an "Elephant Man." It's not the first one we've seen, but it's been the most touching one. The man didn't grow fully since the tumors in his face took most of his nutrients as he was growing. He also didn't have the money or means to go to the United States to have his tumors removed. His family seemed liked they kind of cared, but they kind of said some horrible things about and in front of him.
My almost 4 year old son was asking all sorts of questions. He wanted to know where one of his eyes went, why his face was different, and what was going to happen to him. I try very hard to be as honest with my son as possible, though I don't volunteer information I don't feel he is ready for yet. But I had to have a somewhat difficult conversation with him.
I explained that the man had tumors in his body. I also had to explain that tumors are something that happens sometimes that makes people feel sick. He pretty much understood that once it was said. But he wanted to know why people got tumors and what was going to happen to the man. I told him that he'd have to ask God why he got tumors.
He said the most adorable thing I have ever heard him say. He listened to the man talk about how growing up other kids made fun of him and how he felt sad. My son's reply? He said, "My heart beats for his owies."
That will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I want to call all of my relatives and tell them what he said right now, but I'm pretty sure they are all asleep. The first "difficult" conversation went well. Tackling more tomorrow...
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