Why We Need to Choose Health for the Sake of our Kids

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I attended my aunt's funeral over the weekend in my home town.She was 94 years so in most ways it was a celebration of her life rather than a sad funeral.I was with my 6 year old son and it was with him that i realised the presence of a parent in a child's life is very important. From the onset my son did not understand what death really was.He thought that it was simply a person falling asleep then waking up after a short time.Imagine the surprise when i told him that people do not come back.Our conversation was like this, (in the church) Son: where is grandma? mum: she is in the casket. Son: what's a casket? mum: well honey..its where they put people who have passed away. son: isn't she afraid of the dark? mum: no she cannot see the dark,she is in a bright white light. (at the cementry as we were watching my aunt being lowered into the ground) son: why is she being put in the ground? that's not right! mum: its okay she has to be in the ground first so that she can go to heaven. son: will i see her when she goes? mum: no son, she is invisible son: so i'll never see grandma again? mum: no honey she is far away now. son: i don't want you to go there mummy. It was the i realised how difficult it is for kids who loose their parents at such tender ages. Yes sometimes death is inevitable but as parents we need to change the type of lifestyles we engage in because if death comes as a result of our negligence then it is not fair to the kids we leave behind. I for instance have changed my eating habits and i exercise as well as go for for routine medical check ups.I want to live and raise my child,see my grandkids and great grandkids.I don't take alcohol,smoke or take any drugs if not prescribed by a doctor. I do not want my son to suffer by not feeling the affection of his mother and if i can play my role well,i leave the rest to God.Parents, live healthy lives so that you can enjoy your children for the longest time.