Pasta and pesto

Sat 12th May 2007 by Ben Palmer.

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"Did it hurt when Mummy died, Daddy?" is not your average conversation opener during children's tea.

Coming from a five year old boy, clearly it warranted a considered reply. "The doctors made Mummy as comfortable as they could, and in fact, she was asleep for a long while before she died." On a ventilator too, but I omitted that bit.

"But, do you know, Harry, the last thing that Mummy and Daddy talked about before she died was you and Emily. She loved you so, so much."

He beamed at that. It reminds me (not that I need reminding) why I feel such a strong urge to make a difference. There shouldn't have to be any more children that are like Harry and Emily.

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tags: children death mummy valley

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2 Responses to “Pasta and pesto”

1. Jo Frater says:

   Wed 16th May 2007 at 07:55

   My husband died suddenly last year, leaving me with 4 and 2 yr old girls and a 5 month old boy. The girls constantly ask about Daddy's death, and I think one has to be as honest as possible. Good luck with your journey. And do get in touch if you would like to share any single parent or grief experiences, there arent too many of us around, thankfully
2. Ben Palmer says:

   Thu 17th May 2007 at 08:26

   I'm sorry you're 'in the club' too, it must be hard for you. I too have always found honesty to be the best policy, but there may be times when you need to be economical with the truth too.

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