Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall

At 12:13 AM 7/9/99 -0400, you wrote:
> There was no way that I could handle watching this.
> I guess since they are growing up with the possibility of death, and
>being exposed to it, they are not as traumatized by it.
>
>Ann

Many cultures do not shield children from death and grieving as we do in
western culture. Children are a part of the process and are allowed to
participate in the open grieving and emotional processes of death with the
rest of the family/social group. They understand that death (of people or
animals) is a part of the natural cycle and the natural completion of the
life cycle. It is not something shunned or unmentionable, but something
that just happens, like birth or illness or breathing. It is a part of life.

Nanci K. in Idaho

[email protected]

In a message dated 07/10/1999 6:39:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
tn-k4of5@... writes:

<< Children are a part of the process and are allowed to
participate in the open grieving and emotional processes of death with the
rest of the family/social group. They understand that death (of people or
animals) is a part of the natural cycle and the natural completion of the
life cycle. It is not something shunned or unmentionable, but something
that just happens, like birth or illness or breathing. It is a part of life.
>>
That is so true,Nanci. My girls were there when my mom died--it was a
peaceful, natural experience.It was truly awesome to be there when the woman
who brought me into the world left.
Debra