Conversations with Paige

I want to start this off with a funny thing she said last night during bath time. She said "My little boobies are getting bigger." Justin came out and told me about it and we both started laughing (She could not see us of course). I have some interesting conversations ahead of me.

Our neighbor, Betty, is really sick. She is in the hospital, and her daughter told us that she has stage 4 cancer. I am not sure why she is in the hospital and I don't know what is going to happen. Betty has been so special to us. She brought a gift over shortly after Paige was born and always remembers her on her birthday & Christmas. We had no idea she was so sick.

Yesterday afternoon, Paige had heard that she was sick and of course she told Justin that she wanted to make her a get well card (She has big heart). I am not quite sure of the conversation that followed, but I do know what it contained sparked a deep conversation at bedtime. It went a little like this.

Paige: What's wrong with Betty?
Me: She is sick
Paige: Why?
Me: I don't know- she just is
Paige Why?
Me: Well honey, sometimes people just get sick.
Paige: Why? (You can guess I felt the need to try to end this conversation)
Me: Sometimes when people get older, they get sick and go to the hospital
Paige: And sometimes they die? (This stems from the earlier conversation)
Me: Yes, everyone dies eventually.
Paige: Is Betty going to die?
Me: I hope not, why don't we pray for her.
Paige: OK MOm, but why is she sick?
Me: I am sure she just caught a bug (I didn't realize this was not going to end the conversation- only make it longer.
Paige: A bug? What kind of bug? Does it have wings? Does it fly? Does it crawl?
Me: Oh no, it is not a real bug. It is just something people say when they get sick.
Paige: Oh, Chelsie caught a bug and she got better. Is Betty going to get better?
Me: I think the best thing we can do is pray for her. It is time to go to sleep.

I really hope Betty gets better, but even if she does this time- being older with stage 4 cancer means she may not have much time left. And on top of that, Clo-e is really looking bad these days. Paige tried to climb on her (Like she always does) last night and she practically collapsed. Justin thinks we really could be near the end (She is almost 17 years old which is old for a large pit-bull). So, I have the suspicion that we are in for a few more serious conversations about death in the near future. Keep me in your prayers that I choose the words carefully an appropriately for a 3 year old.