Explaining Brain Damage to a 5-Year-Old

Last night, DD and I were watching the news, just as we always do every night. CBS's lead story was about Terri Schiavo, of course, and DD looked at me and asked me what was wrong with that woman.

How do you explain brain death to a five-year-old? Do you talk about the idea of a soul, and how hers is already gone? Do you talk about how there are different parts of the brain, and how only part of hers is still working properly? Do you talk about the difference between life and death? Do you talk about the brain's mysteries? How do you explain it when you don't even understand it thoroughly yourself?

I chose to talk about how that there are different parts of the brain that do different things. I explained that Schiavo can't talk or walk or read or learn or be the person she used to be because those parts of her brain are dead. I said that the only part of her brain that is working is the part that controls the breathing.

DD seemed satisfied with that reply. I don't think she understands the big fight over Schiavo's "life," and what it all means (I didn't even want to bring up that confusing part of the issue), but the fact that the story even registered on her radar surprised me. I guess the video of Schiavo has been all over the place, and it raised DD's curiosity. DD is a very empathetic child, always concerned when someone is hurt or crying. I was proud that she is getting to be so smart, but I was also shocked that the story registered with her.

I must be watching too much news. Every single story was depressing last night: Schiavo, the Red Lake school shooter, traumatic brain injuries in soldiers who served in Iraq, and the refinery fire in Texas.

Does life suck that much?