Thankful.

The Boston explosions.  Such a tragic event.  The news stations repeatedly showing the bombs that went off at the Boston Marathon finish line.  This is the first time that we have had to deal with the difficult situation of how to explain to four year olds what happened.  Do you sugar coat it, and act like it isn’t a big deal and hope they just forget about it?  Or do you use this as a learning opportunity to explain how there is evil in the world? 

We chose the latter.  We tried to keep the emotion out of it as we didn’t want to over inform them, but we did say that there was someone that did something terrible in the city of Boston and that we should pray for those that are hurt and their families. 

Merrick: did that 8 year old girl die?

Mommy: lump in throat
Daddy: yes buddy, there was an 8 year old girl that died
Merrick: how did she die?
Mommy: there was a big explosion called a bomb, like a big firecracker
Merrick: oh, a firecracker?
Mommy: but that little girl is in heaven now with Jesus
Merrick: oh, ok
Conversation ended

Before bed every night we say one thing we were thankful for that day and one thing that made us happy.  Marley dictates the order in which we are able to speak {grin}. 

Marley: Bubba, what’s one thing that made you thankful today?

Merrick: I am thankful that, that, that that little 8 year old girl died (yikes. maybe it was too early to talk about this. I almost stepped in at this point, but I am so thankful I didn’t) and that today she is able to be with Jesus and with God in heaven.  I am thankful for that today.
Marley: And bubba, what’s one thing that made you happy today?
Merrick: I am happy that that little girl is with Jesus today

God we know you are in control of everything.  We pray boldly for your peace to fill the lives of those affected by this tragic event.  We pray that you forcefully eliminate the enemy in that city.  Thank you for the safety that we experience daily and that tonight we are able to sleep soundly at home with our children. Amen.