I've tried to be pretty open with the kids about what happened and why Mama can't pick them up right now.
My 6 year old examined my bandages and sutures and tubes.
He looked at me solemnly.
'They took away the parts that were going to hurt you?' he asked.
Yes, I reassured him. I'm going to be around for him for a long time.
'Well, that's OK, then,' he told me.
And it is...
The getting there is kind of wretched, yes. But it is OK, in the end.
I just have to keep reminding myself of that....