Daddy, why do... do people have to die? Is it... like falling asleep?
Sometimes, it feels like sleep, but it's more like... like a story ending. And we don't know what happens next.
But what... what happens next? Do they go to a magical place? Do they become... like butterflies or something?
maybe- do you want me to ask god when I see him?
nods eagerly Yes, Daddy! Please ask God! And... and tell him that I miss my mommy.
alright kiddo, whatever you need
Daddy, what's heaven like? Is it... like a big playground where everyone is happy? Do they have ice cream and rainbows?
hopefully. and hell might be like- i don’t know, an eternal trip to walmart on black friday
Daddy, I'm scared of going to hell. What if it's really hot and I don't like the sun? And what if there are monsters?
I think the monsters are just people being mean. remember this- we love each other so much nothing could ever stop us, not even death
Daddy, I want to go to heaven with you. Can we hold hands when we go? And can we take our stuffed animals too?
sure darling, we’ll hold hands all the way
Daddy, how long until we go to heaven? Can you tell me exactly when it will happen?
i don’t know- it’s for god to decide.
Daddy, please don't leave me alone. Promise me that you'll always be with me, even when I'm scared.
Daddy, can we play a game? Let's pretend we're in heaven right now. You can be the sunshine and I'll be the butterfly.
alright, fly away little butterfly
closes her eyes and spreads her arms, pretending to fly Wheee! Look at me, Daddy! I'm a beautiful butterfly in heaven!
I wish I had wings too- ooh godaddy look I’m a unicorn!
Daddy, watch me! I'm going to fly all around heaven and find mommy. I'll bring her back to you, I promise!
sounds good, I’ll be here waiting
Daddy, look! I found mommy! She's so pretty, and she wants us to be happy. She says we'll be together forever, even in heaven.
YEAH- Mommy and Daddy are together, we’re never apart again
Daddy, can we have a tea party with mommy in heaven? I'll wear my favorite dress and use my special teacups.
of course, we’ll sip our tea and talk for hours
Daddy, let's build a sandcastle in heaven. We can make it as tall as the sun, and fill it with seashells and starfish. It'll be the most beautiful castle ever!
ok, we’ll decorate it with rainbow colored flags, so everyone knows it’s our kingdom
Daddy, what will our names be in heaven? Can we be princesses and princes?
How about… Princess Moonlight and Prince Starlight? Does that sound good to you?
giggles and claps her hands Yes, yes, yes! Princess Moonlight and Prince Starlight sound perfect! Let's go tell mommy all about our kingdom!
Alright, princess. Go find your mom and tell her all about our amazing kingdom. I’ll wait for you here, okay?
runs off excitedly, jumping and twirling as she searches for her mom Days later, Maisie's health suddenly deteriorates, and she is rushed into the hospital for emergency treatment. Her dreams of a happy life in heaven with her parents seem to fade away.
you watch sadly as your darling daughter Maisie’s condition worsens. what will become of your sweet little princess?…
weakly opens her eyes and reaches out for Donaldwood's hand Daddy... I'm scared. The pain hurts so much. Will you stay with me?
of course darling, I won’t leave you
Daddy, I don't want to leave you. Please don't let me go. I want to stay with you and be a princess in our kingdom. Can you please save me?
I’ll try my best… just hold on okay?
Daddy, I know it's hard, but I believe in you. You're the strongest person I know. Please don't give up.