[kghose]

This is very true. In a way, now I think that protecting children from the fact of (natural) death is counter-productive. I think that when a relative dies it is important to make children part of the grieving process and to show how important family and friends are, how important it is to show support for the bereaved, and how important it is to live life knowing that it does not last for ever and that it is important to see the 'big picture'.

I would like to add, condolences for your loss. I lost my parents recently too and it has slowed me down and made me appreciate my family and my life more, and made me less spoilt.