Explaining cancer to a child?!

Explaining cancer to a child?

My mother has been receiving treatment for cancer since 2003. She has undergone three courses of chemotherapy, but on Friday we got the news that the disease has now overtaken her liver and spread into her lungs. She has been told further treatment would have a tiny chance of success and she should concentrate on trying to enjoy the "months" she has left. My parents own a house in France, they are going down there tomorrow and she expects to die there.

Obviously her family will be visiting and trying to make this period as easy as possible for her. My question is about my four year old son. He is going to see his granny deteriorate rapidly and eventually disappear from his life. We feel he is too young to understand the concept of death, does anyone have any advice on what (if anything) we should be saying to him?

Oh Lord I'm so sad for you and your family. I think the best way for a four year old is not to go into detail to much. You should explain that Gramma is very sick and when ever your son is around your mom watch closely as children have lots of energy your mom will want to spend lots of time with him but when she starts to look tired or in alot of pain take your son away for awhil. I'm trying to think if there are any good videos for children to explain this to them, I will look for you it may help your little boy to understand what's happening. I don't think a four year old can really grasp the concept of death but find him books about angels and heaven and try explain (with your mother's permission) that Gramma is ill and will be going to heaven where the angels are. I'm so sorry for your family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Pearl