Lorna, thank you for saying those things. I love thinking that even though you never met her, you know something about my Grandma through knowing me. (And I'm glad you appreciate the feistiness! Not everyone does. :)

Kirstin, I love how you put this: "Grieving for my grandmother was hard in its simplicity. I loved her, and she loved me." I think that's very true about my relationship with my Grandma—there wasn't anything complex about it, at all. When you think about it, there aren't many deep, loving relationships that are pure. Usually lots of complexity comes with all the love. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts and wishes.

Meredith, yes, many things in life are sad but ultimately good, aren't they? I'm kind of glad I didn't take the time to work through what I was going to say to my girls. Without any prep, honesty was the only thing I had to go on. (You know what else is great? I can see my grandma in my girls, too—especially my youngest, whose middle name is June.)

Nicola, kids do seem to experience loss more matter-of-factly, in most cases. I think a lot of it depends on their personalities, though. My S is so very compassionate that I think she runs all of her emotions through a big "others filter," which means she's feeling all of this through me and especially my mom. Q, on the other hand, is very caring but is much more pragmatic and flexible with whatever life sends her way. She comforts people in a different way, without taking on all their sadness. Aren't kids amazing? I love hearing stories about your A, too, and how she processes ideas and life.