Sometimes life as a three-year old really is tough

In January, Makenzie's teacher got sick.  They thought she had bronchitis and would be back in two weeks.  Two weeks later, they said two more weeks.  Two weeks later and they told us she had been diagnosed with lung cancer and would not be returning for the school year and a substitute would be provided so Makenzie could come back to school.  Almost every day Makenzie asked me when Lina was going to be her teacher again.  Lina came in for a day for the class pictures and Makenzie continued to ask when she was coming back through June.  In June, I asked the school if they knew what was going to happen.  They expected Lina to come back part-time in September.  All summer Makenzie continued to ask about Lina and I told her in September when school started again.  Unfortunately, Lina broke her leg and was not able to come back as hoped, but was expected to return after the first break in November.

The start of school was very rough for Makenzie.  She was not happy to be in a new classroom with a new teacher and still no sign of Lina.  We have been talking about how after the holiday coming up, hopefully we'll get to see Lina.  She still won't be in her class, but will be at school for hugs.  This has gotten us through September.  A few weeks ago, a favorite teacher of Makenzie's was sick and out for a few days.  Makenzie completely panicked that she had disappeared into this mystery land of 'sick' and was so happy when she returned that she made the teacher cry.  Last week her ballet teacher was sick and I've spent all week convincing her that ballet is not done for the year, just for the one week.

Sadly, we arrived at school on Monday to the sad news that Lina died over the weekend.  I tried my best to explain to Makenzie that Lina will not be coming back.  We talked about how Lina's not sick anymore, but that she's in heaven with Jesus and feels all better.  Makenzie cried and was incredibly moody for the rest of the day, but Lina's been gone so long with the promise of seeing her again I didn't know if she understood.  Tonight Makenzie told me that her teacher talked to them about Lina in class and asked them to talk about what was making them sad.  He also asked them to draw pictures for Lina.  Makenzie very proudly told me how she drew of a picture of Lina and then told me that her teacher was going to have to mail her picture to God so Lina could get it.  We then had a talk about about why we can't see God or Lina right now, but that God is taking care of Lina.  Makenzie worried that God couldn't hear her ask about Lina since we're so far away from heaven.  We talked about prayer and reading the Bible and she asked to go to bed with a Bible so she can learn about Jesus.

She's only three, but I think she's getting it.  We'll see how big the tears are after the school holiday when Lina isn't there or if she'll remember.

Greater life problems of a three-year old

Little miss came out of class very upset this afternoon.  I got out of her that she was upset because a little boy, H, was being mean and pushing.  I asked if he pushed her and she said no.  I figured she was upset because he pushed her friends.  This was the topic of conversation the whole walk home, along with her birthday party (the most important thing on her mind ALWAYS).  She was listing, again, everyone that she wanted to invite.  H was included in the list.  Here's the end of the conversation:
Me: H?  But I thought he was being mean.  We probably don't want mean children at your party (remembering the nightmare when my oldest invited the class bully to his party).
M: He's not mean to me because I'm very pretty and I always wear dresses!
Me: Oh...
M: I'm beautiful mommy.  H likes me.
At least I think I've gotten the horrible message of Purplicious out of her head and she's back to her pink-loving self.