funeral kids' talk

When someone that we love dies, we feel really sad. We miss them and wonder why it happened. But when it's someone as small as Abby, we can also feel worried. Abby always had her mum and dad to take care of her. But who's looking after her now? Is she all by herself? Is she alright?

Even though she's so little, Abby has gone somewhere that none of us have ever been. I can't tell you if the sky in that place is blue or pink or purple or red because I don't know. I haven't been there. But someone has. One person has been there and has come back to tell us what it's like. And that's Jesus.

Jesus tells us that when we die, it's not the end. Everyone who loves God goes to be with him in heaven. A wonderful, safe place. God is looking after Abby. He knows and loves her and will take very good care of her.

Jesus also tells us that we will see Abby again. At the end of time (which could be tomorrow, or next week, or in 1000 years) Abby and everyone else who loves Jesus will be raised to life and given brand new bodies. Bodies like these ones but much better. Abby died because her little body got very sick. Abby's beautiful new body will never get sick. We will see Abby again. Running around and having fun as she used to. We'll know her and love her and we'll never have to say goodbye again.

I have a balloon here. Pink.

On this side I've drawn a sad face because I miss Abby and feel sad.

On this side I've drawn a happy face because I know that Abby is safe with Jesus and because I know I'll see her again.

We've got enough balloons so that each of the children can have one. After we finish in here, we'll hand them out. You might like to draw some faces on your balloons. Then we'll go outside, and let them fly off into the sky together. When we see them go, we'll feel sad for Abby but we'll remember that this is not the end and that she is safe and happy.