In the ongoing saga of dealing with Kate's passing I have found myself being somewhat of a politician. Today Baby Dumpling found a pet toy and said it belong to Kate and asked where Kate was. I replied that Kate was not here, implying that she was not in the house. That seemed to satisfy Baby Dumpling's question for the moment.
Tonight the question came up again and I found myself again playing politician. Just before bedtime prayer Baby Dumpling asked, "where is Kate?" I answered she's outside, hoping that would satisfy and end the questions, it did not. The next question was, "what is she doing?" I replied that she is playing.
Granted I did not tell Baby Dumpling the actual truth regarding the location or activity of Kate, but in my mind I didn't "technically" lie to her. First Kate was not in the house so she must be outside and second I don't know for absolute fact that animals don't have a soul. If cats have a soul then Kate would be in heaven playing and having a great time.(The story of Kate will be posted soon) I also don't feel that this is the best time to discuss who has a soul and who doesn't. I am not an expert on deciding who does or does not have a soul or who goes to heaven and who doesn't, that's not my place.
This brings up some interesting thoughts that can justify my answers to Baby Dumpling, because I am playing politician by splitting hairs and answering in terms that cannot be justified or denied. My argument is; why would humans be the only creatures on this earth to have souls? Since we don't know for actual fact that humans have souls, how can we say for absolute fact that animals don't have souls? The question of having or not having a soul remains a mystery, but if the bible is correct then the animals are taken to heaven, making my statement to Baby Dumpling correct, (I'm really stretching this one to justify my actions), I would be telling Baby Dumpling the truth and therefore not lying to her.
This is a delicate matter and I feel that it is important to handle it as if were fine crystal or china. At this age children are still developing both physically and mentally. The things we, as parents, say and do will stick with our children for life or it will cost a lot in psychological repair money.
