"Where's Marley?" ............

........ we knew our three year old would ask when visiting yesterday. He was sure to notice that Marley was absent. The thing is that she had always been there travelling along a 3 1/2 year relationship journey that could only be described as colourful.

At 6 months old the three year old would cry at the sight of Marley bulldog, he was frightened of her and nothing but putting her out of sight pacified him. As long as he could not see her he was happy. This stage lasted a few months.

By Christmas time when the three year old was one he changed into a bulldog loving boy, thankfully for Marley's sake who no longer had to be banished out of the house.



Last Christmas the harmonious relationship continued as can be seen with the three year old and Marley posing for a photo in front of the Christmas tree. A happy last one to look at and reminisce over.




Ben and I decided that if the three year old asks about the absence of Marley we would tell him that Marley has gone away on a holiday. And this is what we said, a 'pregnant pause' followed, we held our breathe and no "Why?" was asked.

Instead the three year old was satisfied with this answer, he ran off to his creative play with the yoga mat, the cane basket, the pottery pea hen and little girl.



Maybe in the future when the three year is older and at the stage of understanding the concept of death we will tell him that Marley is on a permanent holiday in heaven. That is if he asks. But for now while the three year old is emerged in play, make believe and dramatic creativity it is best to bend the truth.

Cheers and Blessings

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