Daddy, when we burn people what's that stuff that's left?
Inquired the Little Lady solemnly.
It had been just another day and I was taking advantage of the Little Boom's nap-time to chill with some coffee and Steemit browsing.
The Little Lady had been sitting quietly doing art at the table but had gotten up and came over and sat beside me to ask about burning people.
I suspected that this was related to the recent death of my Dad who, according to his wishes was cremated.
We believe in being honest with our kids and I had been doing my best to answer all of the Little Lady's questions despite some of them being a bit painful.
What do you mean lass? Do you mean the ashes. Like when someone is cremated? Like my Dad?
I asked, the memory of picking up my Dad's ashes fresh in my mind.
They are a lot smaller and a lot heavier than you would think.
That's it, yes. When we burn people why do they keep the ashes?
She asked. Her eyes wide with innocence.
Well, you don't have to keep them. But, some people like to get them and do something special with them.
The Little Lady pondered for a moment.
I don't get it.
She said finally.
Don't get what, lass?
I asked, hoping that the conversation would change to unicorns or dinosaurs soon.
I just don't understand why they would give you back the ashes!?
She seemed a little perturbed.
Well, people like to...
No Daddy.
She interrupted me.
I don't understand why they would give you back dirty ashes. Why don't they give you a nice bone?
Her eyes gleamed.
A nice bone?
I raised an eyebrow at her.
Yes, Daddy. Wouldn't you like a nice bone instead. If they cleaned it and stuff?
A vision of being handed my Dad's thigh bone with a ribbon tied around it flashed through my mind.
I wouldn't like a bone, little one. In fact I think that would be a bit horrible.
She tilted her head to one side and gazed at me as if adults and Daddy's in particular were the stupidest people in the world.
When you die. I will ask them for a nice bone.
She said happily.
I raised my eyes skywards.
You do that, lass. You do that.
