My Little Mermaid

The new Disney movie release, Ariel's Beginning, has sparked some interesting conversation at our house. As Sara was watching the movie she became very concerned when Ariel's mother, Athena, was no longer involved in the plot.

Sara: Where did Athena go?

Me: She died sweetie.

Sara: But where did she go?

Me: She went to heaven to live with Heavenly Father.

She seemed satisfied with that answer. However, as she was trying to wrap her little mind around this concept she kept asking me where Ariel's mom went about every 5 minutes. I knew that she finally understood when asked her to tell me where Athena went and she answered correctly. A few minutes later she sat up on the couch very distraught.

Sara: But Athena can not live with Heavenly Father! King Triton loves her and will miss her so, so very much!

(note the exclaimation points as she is very dramatic)

Me: When King Triton dies he will go to live with Heavenly Father and Athena. Then they can be together forever.

She really liked this idea. The next day she came to me and very matter of factly told me that, "Ariel just wants to die so that she can be with her mommy and Heavenly Father forever."

I think that it is so interesting to see the simplicity of life through the eyes of my almost-three year old. Even at such a young age the logical question of where we go after death was a concern of hers. I'm just glad that I have the knowledge and testimony needed to be able to answer tough philosophical and religious questions that she will ask now and in the future.