Learning About Death

Death is such a hard thing to understand at any age, but particularly at 3.  When I sat the kids down and told them Callie had died, there wasn't much of a reaction.  I think it was mostly because they don't get it.  Ellie has mentioned it several times a week since it happened, and it's been a long time.  I think she mentions it because she doesn't understand and is working things out in her head, not necessarily because she's sad about it.  This morning in the car Ellie said (in a very matter of fact tone...I'm not sure she understands what it means to "miss" someone), "I miss Callie.  She died."  "You're right.  I'm sorry." I replied.  Then she said, "That means her heart isn't in her anymore.  (maybe I explained it well finally?)  Callie died on the cross." ...back to the drawing board.