Happy Memorial Day
In honor of the men and women who have served our country and given the ultimate sacrifice, Vika and Eamon decided to create a chalk mural on the back patio. After we washed away their "Under the Sea" scene, they set straight to work on a new masterpiece.
It wasn't long before Eamon came into the house with tears in his eyes. When I asked him what was wrong he said, "I wish George Washington could not be dead. And I love him!" Then he gave me a quick hug, and headed back outside. Jeff and I sat baffled for a moment, then shrugged, and went back to our work.
Soon, the sounds of a mournful song (sung by Vika) began drifting in through the backyard window. I couldn't quite understand what she was saying, but I did catch the name "Washington" in one particularly haunting melody. Once again, Eamon came in with tears in his eyes.
"Mama, why do George Washington gotta be dead?" I replied that he lived a long time ago and had a good life. Then Eamon said, in a sad voice, "I wish he can't be dead so he can fight all the mean guys!"
Finally, I decided to go outside and see exactly what they were drawing on their Memorial Day mural. There was a huge jumble of color and flowers, in the middle of which was this:
When I asked Vika who the figure in her drawing was, she answered:
"It's George Washington. In a box. Dead."
What the ...? Somehow, Memorial Day had become a lament for George Washington. Which is fine, in a way, since he is the quintessential American Soldier. But, perhaps we should take some time today to mention all the other brave soldiers who have also fought for our country.
And maybe discuss the whole "dead in a box" thing.
It wasn't long before Eamon came into the house with tears in his eyes. When I asked him what was wrong he said, "I wish George Washington could not be dead. And I love him!" Then he gave me a quick hug, and headed back outside. Jeff and I sat baffled for a moment, then shrugged, and went back to our work.
Soon, the sounds of a mournful song (sung by Vika) began drifting in through the backyard window. I couldn't quite understand what she was saying, but I did catch the name "Washington" in one particularly haunting melody. Once again, Eamon came in with tears in his eyes.
"Mama, why do George Washington gotta be dead?" I replied that he lived a long time ago and had a good life. Then Eamon said, in a sad voice, "I wish he can't be dead so he can fight all the mean guys!"
Finally, I decided to go outside and see exactly what they were drawing on their Memorial Day mural. There was a huge jumble of color and flowers, in the middle of which was this:
When I asked Vika who the figure in her drawing was, she answered:"It's George Washington. In a box. Dead."
What the ...? Somehow, Memorial Day had become a lament for George Washington. Which is fine, in a way, since he is the quintessential American Soldier. But, perhaps we should take some time today to mention all the other brave soldiers who have also fought for our country.
And maybe discuss the whole "dead in a box" thing.
It's amazing what bits & pieces of things kids will catch on to.
lol I bet that's going to make for an interesting conversation!
It's amazing what kids pick up hearing conversations, tv, radio etc.
Happy Memorial Day, I'm remembering people around the world who have lost thier lives in the name of war....sad isn't it?
We had to have the conversation about being buried again not too long ago when we buried a bird.
Today I am remembering my grandpa. Served in the marines in WWII. He died a year ago. I loved hearing stories about when he was in the South Pacific.
Good luck with your talk.
Well, we've always said Vika was "scary smart", maybe the scary part was more true than we thought!
HA HA HA HA HA!
That's so funny. The way little kids' minds work is such a mystery. Hope you all had a great Memorial weekend.
I'm so glad you took a picture of that. I have a feeling that's a story that's going to be passed on for a while.
Oh my gosh! ROFL!
hugs,
Laura
I cracked up at this because it is just like me and my brother. He was always the sensitive one, and I was always the cut to the chase one. Dead. In a box.
I love Vika.
But look at how happy he is to be dead in the box ;-)
They are seriously so cute and creative!!
Okay, I scared the cat by laughing out loud repeatedly throughout this post. Poor, poor George.