Things Kids Say

This is a post from the SIDS Discussion List on things that siblings say.

by Connie Murdoch

reprinted with permission

Our grandson Zachary, (even though he was only 2 when Abby died) has some
very strong memories of his baby sister. He says "she used to lick me"
because whenever Abby was in her baby seat and Zachary came to kiss her Abby
would turn and root at his face with her mouth wide open and Zachary would
giggle in delight. When my Sisters grandson was 6 months old Zachary tried
to kiss him, and got the same response. He turned to his mom and said "Just
like Abby did! Can we take him home???". It tears at your heart, but it is
so good that they remember their siblings.

On Thursday, before going to the cemetery for a "birthday" celebration
Tricia went to buy some birthday balloons at the flower shop. Of course the
clerk in the shop asked "what's the occasion" and the inevitable discussion
about Abby resulted. The clerk was slightly uncomfortable about the
celebration of the birthday of a baby who had died. She whispered to Tricia
over Zachary's head "Does HE know he had a sister??" and Zachary (old EAGLE
EARS) piped up with a 3 year olds typical arrogance "YEAH, she was ABBY and
today's her birthday!!" It was a bright spot in a day that could have been
very grey. And when they got to the cemetery with a little suet and birdseed
(for the birds) birthday cake, Zachary decided that he must have a little
taste and stuck his finger in before they could stop him. It was quite a
surprise!!!!

7/27/97