Today was a tough day for our family. Our 8-year-old daughter, Summer, received the heartbreaking news that one of her beloved Sunday school teachers had passed away. She was deeply saddened, and spent the afternoon curled up on the couch, tears streaming down her face. Watching her sorrow was difficult, as it reminded us of the profound impact people can have on young hearts.
In a beautiful and tender moment, her little sister Autumn, just 4 years old, noticed Summer’s sadness and came over to comfort her. With the pure honesty and curiosity that only a child possesses, Autumn asked, “Mommy… did a monster eat him?”
Though the question was naive, it brought a gentle lightness to a heavy day. It reminded us that children see the world differently—through a lens of imagination, innocence, and unfiltered honesty. While their innocence cannot erase grief, it can soften it, offering moments of levity and reminding us of the beauty in simple gestures of love and care.
Watching Autumn try to comfort Summer reminded us that even in sorrow, compassion and love can be found in the smallest hearts. It was a powerful lesson on how children help us navigate the weight of life, often with wisdom and perspective far beyond their years.
