Ro: Daddy, I’m sad. I don’t want you to die.

me: I’m not dying. Eventually we all have to go, but I won’t die any time soon. Look, mommy’s and daddy’s parents are still alive!

Ro: … and I don’t want mommy to die.

me: no, I don’t want her to die either.

me <big mistake>: but you know: death is part of life. we all die eventually. Everyone of us. That’s just how life is.

Ro: when we die, we can come back.

meL maybe.

Ro: i *want* to!

me: me, too. But you know, some part of me lives on in you and some part of you lives on in me.

Ro: which part?

me: that’s hard to say, but I can feel it!

Ro: me, too!

me: I love you! Give me a hug!

Ro: I love you, too – all the way up to space!!!!