Originally posted Feb 16, 2016 (Patton was 4y3m)

In Which I Must Choose to Laugh or Cry:

Patton and I laying in bed at night. To help you understand this scene, Patton’s only knowledge of death has been when our dog, Jak, died and was buried in the backyard.

Patton: Who is your mommy?
Me: I had a mommy a long time ago.
Patton: What is his name?
Me: Her name was Cornelia.
Patton: Does Cornelia make you very happy?
Me: Yes, she did.
Patton: Where is he?
Me: She’s not here anymore, hon.
Patton: Is she dead?
Me: Yes, she died a long time ago.
Patton: Is she in the hole?
Me: She is buried in a hole, yes. But I have another mommy too, and her name is Grandma!
Patton: Oh! She’s not dead.
Me: No, she’s not.
Patton: Does Daddy have a mommy?
Me: He did have a mommy.
Patton: What’s he called?
Me: Daddy’s mommy was named Arlene.
Patton: Is Arlene and Cornelia in the hole together with Jak?
Me: They are all buried in the ground.

(Patton thinks for a minute)

Patton: We have to be careful and not get too many dead, because if we put them all in the hole it will get filled up and we won’t be able to shut it with the grass.