"Where is Mary?"

On Christmas Eve, we decided to go to the early family service at a new church down town that I've been trying. The service was basically an interactive replay of Jesus' birth. Ellie was very interested, so her and I went to sit in the front so she could have a good seat.

About half way through the service, she started asking me where Mary was. I pointed to the girl playing her in the skit repeatedly. After about the 3 or 4th time, she was really annoyed and said "mommy, I mean the REAL Mary. Where is she?!"

My response, in the middle of church service, "Honey, Mary's in Heaven."

She just looked at me very shockingly. So I repeated, "Mary's in Heaven with God and Vonita."

Ellie asks, "Why?"

Me, "well, Mary lived a long time ago and then she died."

Ellie started crying. She was very upset and told me she wanted to go home right now.

I did my best to console her and we made it through the service. But she continued to ask about Mary (and still does on a regular basis.) Through follow up conversations and questions I realized that she was very distraut at the thought of Jesus living without his Mommy. Since I have told her Jesus is alive and with her, it's really sad his Mommy isn't with him to a 3 year old - especially my 3 year old!

Ellie's just too cute and sensitive. I love her mind and the questions she asks. Three is a wonderful age. Well, honestly, I have enjoyed them all.

I am starting a blog to attempt to write down stories of the kids childhood that can later be captured somehow. Typing is my speed and strength, and since I don't have the time I would like to donate to these most important things, I do hope that if I can at least type them out, one day, they will be there for us all to enjoy!