Talking about death, tragic world events

"Eight hundred people died in an earthquake." I said this to my seven-year-old daughter while she ate breakfast and listened absently to the radio news. I knew by her occasional comments that she does listen to the news reports with some attention.

"That will help with our population problem," she replied.

I could have attempted to shame and criticize her for the insensitive remark. I can imagine many people in my life who would insist that I must do so. However, I simply said, "Yes."

I paused for a bare instant before I knew what to say. Read the rest »