Jackson

Jackson
November 2nd 2009 - February 28th 2010

“No day will ever erase you from the memory of time”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The kids...they'll surprise you.

I don't get paid enough to do what I do but I love it. I try to teach respect and especially try to get kids to work out their conflicts on their own. I didn't realize I was also showing a new generation that its ok to talk about the death of a baby. So it all started with a conversation about my tatoo.
Child: Lindsay why do you have a tatoo of Jackson on your back.
Me: Its not the Jackson from the daycare.
Child: Well then who is it?
Me: Its my son Jackson.
Child: You have a son, named Jackson.
Me: Yes, but he died when he was 4 months old.
Child:How did he die? Why did he die? Was he born early or late?

So for about 20 minutes I explained to children (in a child friendly manner) about how Jackson died, was I sad...etc. I talked to 8,9,10 year olds about my son. I was amazed that they asked so many questions and that they weren't freaked out. Yet people who are in their 20's and 30's can't even handle it. Even later I heard one of kids say, "see that tattoo on Lindsay's shoulder, its her son, he died when he was only 4 months old." Even I can't be as casual as that. Maybe I am teaching more then they need to know but unfortunately it happens to more women then just me. I'm not going to lie to them. I'm sure over the years it won't be the last time they hear it. So my hope is in 20 years if it happens to someone they know they won't be that person that runs uncomfortable about it but is the one that they can lean on. Now if we could just get some adults off the uncomfortable train then wouldn't be easier for everyone.