Death is Stupid

Purchase a physical copy of Death is Stupid here: https://www.dottirpress.com/death-is-stupid

[George the Puppet]: Hey everyone, its George here with another important story
we’re excited to share. Fun 4 the Disabled is back to present today’s book
“Death is Stupid” written and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham. This book
talks about death and the grief that comes after. Here’s Vanessa to tell you more
about the book and introduce our reader for today.

[Slow trap music]

[Vanessa]: Thank you, George. Today, actress Terri Lynne Hudson will
be reading “Death is Stupid” written and illustrated by
Anastasia Higginbotham. Anastasia wrote this book and others in her
“Ordinary Terrible Things” series to help children navigate common
childhood issues. This book focuses on a young boy dealing with the loss
of his grandmother and the confusion that comes from the death of a loved one.
Let’s listen.

[Terri Lynne Hudson]: “Death is Stupid” written and illustrated
by Anastasia Higginbotham.

When a loved one dies, I know exactly how you feel. People can
say some- “Don’t cry. Just be grateful for the time you had with her.”
-stupid things.

Even the people who care about you most may not know what to say.
“We lost her.” “Then find her.”
“We can’t honey. She’s gone” “Gone where? Is she ever coming back?”

Every life comes to an end. “She’s in a better place.”

Dying is not a punishment. “Would I be in a better place if I died?”
“Heavens, no!” But mostly, it doesn’t feel fair.

“Death is not better, It’s stupid!” “We just mean she’s at peace.
She can rest, and don’t say stupid.”

“Why can’t she rest here with me and still be alive? Here’s
your breakfast. Grandma. I’m going to take care of your garden.
If you need me for anything, just yell out the window. I’ll come running!”
“Oh, thank you for letting me rest, dear. Now. I don’t have to die.”

Some people may try to help and make it worse.
“Now, your grandma can watch over you wherever you are.”

Beliefs about what happens after death are personal to each of us,
we all have our own ways of understanding,
and not understanding, this mystery. Search your heart and other
sources you trust to find out what you believe.

But beware of the lies. “She’s only sleeping.” “Don’t say that to me.
Sleep is what I do and I wake up every morning.”

“Come on, honey. Time to go home.” “My grandma isn’t asleep. She died.”
It takes courage to go on living… “Beautiful day!” …when the
one you love has died, and to accept that death cannot be changed.

Everyone eventually has an experience of someone who died.
A member of their family, a good friend, someone they thought would
live a lot longer. “We did everything we could. I’m sorry.”

Your pain is not less than theirs. It’s not more,
it’s not the same. “Can I play in my room now?”
“Be sure to hang up that suit when you take it off.” “I will.”

You might be freaked out by the grief of those you depend on.
“My Dad cried at the funeral. Not the quiet kind of crying-
it was the kind you can hear.”

[Imitation crying]

“My mom says to talk to Grandma and my imagination.
I know what I would say. Grandma, you shouldn’t have died.
I still need you.” “Oh honey, I know. Death is so stupid.”
‘Grandma! You said stupid!” “Well, it is, hehe!”

If you have questions for the one who died, ask them in your
imagination or right out loud.

“Grandma, can you see me doing bad things from heaven?”
“Nothing about you is bad, child. Don’t you ever forget it.”

There may come a reply… “My spirit is safe.” …in dreams
or in signs. “It’s okay for you to have fun without me.
I’m sorry for leaving you.” “Where did she go? Why do we have to die?”

“Grandma’s Garden is weedy, Dad.” “It sure is.” “She’d be so annoyed.”
“She would.” We don’t get to keep everyone who has ever lived.
“Let’s get you dressed.”

But we do get to remember them long after their lives have ended.
“Grandma died but her plants are alive.” Remembering lasts.
“My mother fed and watered everything out here, including you and me.”

Keep your connections to those who have died and those still living.
“Dad, would you teach me how to make the sauce she made in the
boiling hot jars?” “It would be an honor.” These connections make
death seem less scary (stupid) and they make life more fun. The end.

[Vanessa]: Wow, what a wonderful story. Thank you actress
Terri Lynne Hudson for that reading. Kids, death can be unfair, scary,
and as the title of this book suggests, stupid, but it’s a
natural part of life. We hope this book inspires you to cherish your memories
of a loved one who passed. Everyone experiences grief at some point in their life.
So find comfort in the fact that you’re not alone, don’t be afraid to
talk to your family about your feelings. Comment below if you would
like us to read more books that cover difficult, but important topics.
Thank you, once again actress Terri Lynne Hudson for reading
“Death is Stupid”. If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe
to our newsletter and check out more of our “Fun 4 The Disabled Presents:
Children’s Books That Heal”. What do you think George? Bye-bye.

[George]: Thanks for watching “Death is Stupid” written
and illustrated by Anastasia Higginbotham.
Now, in this story, the boy misses his grandmother
because she was like no other. He remembers the time
well spent and all the fun, this is why we must
cherish our loved ones. Grief is a normal part of life,
filled with memories that we can repeat through our
mind and see. Just remember, it’s okay to cry and hey,
thanks for stopping by.

[Slow trap music]

[Somber jazz music]