John, a 14-year-old from Kentucky
One of the saddest days I remember was when my grandmother died. I was 7 and my parents took me out of school! When we arrived at her house I remember it still smelled like my grandmother, but she was not there. My cousin and I were taken to the spare bedroom. We spent lots of time working puzzles and looking at old magazines. Everyone was very sad. My mom cried a lot. Even my dad cried. When we went to the funeral home I saw my grandmother for the last time. She was in a casket that had special pillows in it. There were flowers everywhere. Lots of people were there. There was a huge pile of dirt they had dug where she was going to be buried. I remember being very sad that day. My parents told me that one day I would see my grandmother again in heaven. I can’t wait!
What can we learn from John’s experience?
Death is a hard lesson for young and old alike. The unknown can cause fear and trepidation. The imprint that moments like these leave will stay with young people for decades to come. But death also gives us an opportunity to remind ourselves and teach our children that life on Earth is temporary. It allows us to refocus our priorities and reminds us of that heavenly home we all look forward to. Recall that when David was told his son had died: he stopped fasting and went into the house of the Lord and worshipped. His servants were dismayed, assuming that he would be wrecked with sorrow and grief. Instead, David replied: “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me that the child may live?’ But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:22-23)
