The day that Emily asked some tough questions

When Gage died 2 years ago, we had him cremated. It wasn't even really a decision, we just knew that it was right for us. We have his urn and Charlie and I each have a necklace that holds some of Gage's ashes. We always told Emily that the necklaces just helped us feel close to Gage. She was 3 when he passed away so she didn't really ask for a lot of explanations. Now she is 5. And very curious.

We were out on Saturday and we drove past a cemetery. She has been to cemeteries before, to visit great grandparents. When we drove by she asked "Why don't we have a spot like that for Gage? We could decorate it like those people did for their loved ones. I want to make a place for Gage." Taken completely off guard, I didn't know what to say. So I explained that some people have a place that they like to go to when they want to remember their loved ones, and some don't. I tried to tell her that we just like to put things by his pictures. She said she wanted to make something and put it in the yard for Gage. So I talked her into making something and putting it by his pictures. She was ok with that and she made something beautiful, all by herself. For now, she is satisfied with that answer. But as she gets older, she will have more questions. And I will answer her in the gentlest way I can.

Here is what she made Gage.