Sometimes Children Say the Most Embarrassing Things

There is nothing that humbles a mother like hearing your child ask a question that you really wish would have never come out of his/her mouth. My middle son impressed this upon me when my Grandfather recently passed away. Although this was a very saddening time in our lives my son made it something we will remember and smile about.

Ben has always been a very curious child and is constantly asking questions. So it really should not have surprised me that he would ask these inquisitive questions. While we were at my Grandmothers accepting family and friends before the funeral I overheard my son talking with my Grandmother. I heard him ask, "So how exactly did Papa die?" This is really not a question that you ask a woman that just lost her husband of 55 years but my Grandmother being the strong lady that she is simply explained it to him. It was a relief that it did not upset her but still a little embarrassing that he asked her right after his death. I was thinking that has to be the worst of it but I was wrong!

Ben and my oldest son, Caleb, decided they did want to go to the funeral home and see my Grandfather to say goodbye. I tried to explain everything to them before we got there so they would know what they were going to see. I really thought I had covered all of my bases but once again I was wrong. Our whole family was standing around the casket saying our goodbyes and crying. I could see Ben looking at everyone and trying to understand why everyone was so upset. Then out of the blue Ben says, "If Papa is dead and he can't see anymore then why does he need his glasses?" Of course this was a very good question but not one that you want to address in front of the entire family while they are saying their goodbyes.

I am not a person who attends a lot of funerals. I only go when it is a very close friend or family member because I just don't like the whole atmosphere. Even though this experience was embarrassing my son put a smile on my face at our saddest moment. When I look back to the moment when I had to say goodbye I always hear this little voice that says "If Papa is dead and he can't see........." and it puts a smile on my face.