When my daughter was about 3 years old our beloved Golden Retriever died suddenly.
While my wife and I discussed whether or not to “replace” or to allow her to grieve and work through the process, our daughters mental state, her outlook, demeanor and engagement with us decline in such a way that she was almost completely disconnected from the world around her.
After 5 days we took her to our friend who was breeding Goldens and she picked out a new puppy.
She immediately became reengaged with a renewed sense of optimism and joy that a four year old should have. She has never forgotten her first best friend and when the puppy she picked out passed, it was OK. She learned and experienced loss at an early age more than once. IMHO, as parents, we replaced death with life and the hope for the future.
When my daughter was 12 years old her Grandfather/my Dad passed. Her mother and I were divorced and my ex and I discussed whether or not she should attend the funeral. My ex-wife didn’t think it was a good idea but my daughter demanded that she attend. She was compelled to pay her respects for his life, for me and my family.
Honor.
Honor can’t be taught through books or a formal education. Honor is acquired through experience and being surrounded by caring people that have a love for life.
When my daughter was about 3 years old our beloved Golden Retriever died suddenly.”
When I was 5 my father died——I went to the wake and funeral.
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