How do you tell/explain cancer, surgery and death to a 5½ year old? I’ve contemplated this thought for the past couple weeks after learning that my mom has breast cancer and is getting surgery. The prognosis is good because they caught it early, but it doesn’t change the thoughts going through my head.
Chloe asked at dinner Sunday night why her Nana was getting surgery (after hearing me say something about it to Salvacion). I told Chloe that her Nana had cancer, but this meant nothing to her. So, of course she asked what cancer was. I explained to her that it was an illness Nana had that the doctors were going to remove through surgery – that way she would be healthy. Chloe seemed to accept that explanation even though I don’t think she understood fully.
It made me think though about the worst case scenario. How would I explain death to Chloe? How do you tell a 5½ year old that she will never be able to see a person again (on this Earth)? Would she understand that? How would she respond to losing her favorite Grandparent?
Before, it was easy because I only had to worry about my own emotional state. Now I have this little girl that depends on me (and Salvacion). How would she handle it and how would I explain it? Even when Chloe was younger it was easier because she wasn’t forming long-term memories yet. I can’t protect her forever, but when and how much do you let her experience, and at what age? It’s a new and difficult path to traverse.
The surgery is today and so far so good. I should hear the final word this evening and hopefully we'll be able to visit my mom soon. We had Chloe call this morning to tell her Nana she would be thinking about her. We prayed for her at bedtime Monday night as well. It's all in God's hands now.
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